Upcoming
Events
Do you want to list an
event on Onzuka.com?
Contact Us
(All events on Oahu, unless noted)
2009
10/10/09
NAGA Hawaii
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Hawaii, Tentative)
6/4/09 - 6/7/09
World JJ Championships
(BJJ)
(California)
5/9/09 - 5/10/09 &
5/16/09 - 5/17/09
Brazilian Nationals JJ Championships
(BJJ)
(Carson, CA)4/18/08
NY International JJ Championships
(BJJ)
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
5/9/09
15th Grapplers Quest Las Vegas
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Las Vegas, NV)
5/2/09
Uprising MMA
(MMA)
(Maui)
May 2009
Abu Dhabi World Submission Wrestling Championships
(Sub Grappling)
(Tentative)
4/4/09 - 4/5/09
NAGA World Championship
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(NJ, Tentative)
3/27/09
- 3/29/09
Pan Am JJ Championships
(BJJ)
(Carson, CA)
3/21/09 - 3/22/09
$30k Grapplers Quest/Fight Expo/Make a Wish Weekend
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Del Mar, CA)
NAGA US Nationals
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Georgia)
3/14/09
NAGA Vegas
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
3/7/09
UFC 96
(PPV)
(Columbus, OH)
Grapplers Quest Beast of the East
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Wildwood, New Jersey)
2/21/09
UFC 95
(PPV)
(London, England)
2/7/09
4th Annual Clint Shelton Memorial
(Boxing)
(Palolo Gym)
Manup and Standup
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
UFC Fight Night
(PPV)
(Tampa, FL)
1/31/09
UFC 93 BJ vs GSP
(PPV)
(MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV)
1/30/09
MMA Event
(MMA)
(Schofield Barracks)
1/24/09
Eddie Bravo Seminar
(BJJ)
1/17/09
UFC 93
(PPV)
(Dublin, Ireland)
1/10/09
MAT ATTACK Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Grappling Tournament
(Sub Wrestling)
(Lihikai School, Kahului, Maui)
1/3/08
Uprising - Maui
(MMA)
(Paukukalo
Hawaiian Homes Gym)
Hazardous Warfare - Maui
(MMA)
(Lahaina Civic Center)
2008
12/27/08
UFC 92
(PPV, Las Vegas, NV)
12/13/08
The Ultimate Fighter 8 Final
(PPV, Las Vegas, NV)
12/10/08
UFC Fight
For The Troops
(Spike TV)
Got Skillz Fighter
(Triple Threat)
(Waipahu Filcom)
11/25/08
X-1 at Cirque Hawaii
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Cirque Hawaii, Waikiki)
11/22/08
Longman Jiu-Jitsu Open
(BJJ)
(Kauai Veterans Center,
Lihue, Kauai)
Hawaiian
Classic Kickboxing
(Kickboxing)
(Kalaheo H.S. Gym)
11/21/08
UFC: Penn-GSP Press Conference
(Blaisdell Concert Hall)
X1 World
Events
(Boxing & MMA)
(O'Lounge Night Club)
Man Up & Stand Up
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
11/15/08
Destiny
(MMA)
(Aloha Tower Pier)
Aloha State Championship
of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ/Sub Grapping)
(Gym #1, UH Manoa)
UFC 91
(PPV, Portland, OR)
11/7/08
HFC Stand Your Ground IX
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
10/25/08
X-1
(MMA & Boxing)
(Palolo Hongwangji Hall)
UFC 90
(PPV, Chicago, IL)
10/19/08
Clay Guida Seminar
(Icon Fitness & MMA Gym)
10/18/08
Destiny
(MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
UFC 89
(PPV, Birmingham, England)
10/17/08
Hawaiian Amateur Pankration Association
Presents
Friday Night Fights At Pipeline Café
(MMA)
(Pipeline Cafe, Honolulu)
10/12/08
HFL Championships
(MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
10/11/08
NAGA
(BJJ & Sub Wrestling)
(Blaisdell)
10/10/08
Man Up & Stand Up
(Kickboxing)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
10/4/08
The Quest
for Champions Martial Arts Tournament
(Sport-Pankration, Submission Grappling and Continuous Sparring)
(Kalani High School Gym)
EliteXC on CBS
(TV)
808MMA
(TV)
9/27/08
X-1 Presents Temple of Boom
(Palolo Hongwanji, Honolulu)
(MMA & Boxing)
9/20/08
Boxing
(Palolo District Park)
(Boxing)
9/17/08
UFC Fight Night 15
(PPV, Omaha, NE)
9/7/08
2008 Samahan Filipino
Martial Arts Tournament
(Forms, Fighting, Masters Demonstrations)
(Pearl City High School Gym)
9/6/08
UFC 88:
Break Through
(MMA)
(PPV)
9/5/08
Got Skillz Fighter
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom Center)
8/23/08 & 8/24/08
Hawaii Training Ctr Boxing
(Boxing)
(Waipio
Industrial Court)
8/15/08
MMA At The O
(MMA)
(O Lounge Night Club)
8/14/08
Paragon Fighter
(Kickboxing)
(O Lounge)
8/9/08
K-1 Hawaii Grand Prix
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Stan Sheriff Center, UH at Manoa)
Man Up & Stand Up
(Kickboxing)
(Kalaheo High School)
UFC 87
(MMA)
(PPV)
7/26/08
Maui Jiu-Jitsu BJJ Tournament
(BJJ)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui)
7/19/08
Kawano B.C., Palolo B.C., & USA-Boxing Hawai Amateur Boxing
Show
(Boxing)
(Palolo District Park Gym)
Affliction - Fedor vs. Sylvia
(PPV)
7/12/08
Aloha State
Mixed Martial Arts Competition
10AM - 7PM
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
7/11/08
Hawaii Fighting Championships 10
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballrooms)
7/5/08
UFC 86 - Jackson vs. Griffin
(PPV)
6/27-29/08
OTM Pacific Submission
Grappling Tournament
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(Blaisdell Exhibition Hall)
MMA Expo
(Blaisdell Convention Center)
6/21/08
Hawaii
Xtreme Combat
(MMA)
(Lahaina Civic Center, Lahaina, Maui)
Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale
6/20/08
Paragon
(MMA Hybred)
(O Lounge)
6/15/08
Grapplefest
(Submission Grappling)
Anderson Silva Seminar
Studio 4, UH at Manoa
1-4PM
$100
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua Seminar
Tropic Lightning TKD
Waipahu
5-7PM
$60
6/14/08
EliteXC
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, HI)
6/7/08
UFC 85 - Bedlam
(PPV)
6/6/08
Punishment in Paradise
Pound 4 Pound
(Kickboxing)
(Ahuna Ranch, Maili)
6/5-8/08
World Jiu-Jitsu Championsihps
(BJJ)
(California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California)
6/1/08
Hawaiian
Open of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ/Sub Grapping)
(Gym #1, UH Manoa)
WEC 33
(Faber vs. Pulver)
(PPV)
5/31/08
CBS EliteXC
Saturday Night Fights
(9-11 p.m. ET/PT)
(CBS)
5/25/08
Man Up Stand Up
(Kickboxing)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
5/24/08
UFC 84 - Ill Will
BJ Penn vs. Sean Sherk
(PPV)
5/16/08
X-1: Legends
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, HI)
5/9/08
Man Up Stand Up
(Kickboxing)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
Hawaii Fighting Championships 9
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballrooms)
5/3/08
Hawaii
Fight League
Season 1, Event 3
(MMA)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
Full Force 4
(MMA)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Maui)
Heart-of-a-Cage-Fighter
(Kauai
Veterans Center, Lihue, Kauai)
4/25/08
Punishment
in Paradise
(Kickboxing)
(Farrington High School)
4/18/08
Local Pride
Friday, April 18, 2008
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
4/12/08
Man Up &Stand Up
(Kickboxing)
(Filcom Center, Waipahu)
4/6/08
GrappleFest: Submission
Sundays
(Submission Grappling)
(Hawaii Room, Neal Blaisdell Center)
3/29/08
Garden Island Cage Match 7
(MMA)
(Hanapepe Stadium, Hanapepe, Kauai)
Hawaii Fighting Championships 8
(MMA)
(Maui War Memorial)
3/28-30/08
Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship
(BJJ)
(Californina State University, Dominguez Hills, CA)
Registration ends 3/22/08
3/16/08
Sera's Kajukenbo Open Tournament
(Continuous
Sparring, MMA, Submission Grappling)
(Maui High School Gym, Kahului, Maui)
Icon Fitness Gym Tournament
(Submission Wrestling)
(Icon Fitness Gym)
3/15/08
Icon Sport
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
3/9/08
2008 Pacific Invitational BJJ Tournament
(BJJ )
(Hibiscus Room, Ala Moana Hotel, Honolulu)
3/7/08
Got Skillz Fighter
(Kickboxing/MMA)
(Waipahu Filcom)
3/1/08
USA-Boxing
Hawaii, Palolo B.C. & Kawano B.C. Presents Amateur Boxing
(Boxing)
(Palolo District Park)
2/29/08
X-1 at the O-Lounge
Fight Club Meets Nightclub 4
(MMA)
(O-Lounge, Honolulu)
2/24/08
Icon Grappling Tournament
(Sub Grappling)
(Icon Gym)
2/17/08
Hawaiian
Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ/Sub Grapping)
(Gym #1, UH Manoa)
2/15/07
Midwest Invasion: Team Indiana vs. Team Hawaii
(MMA)
(Coyotes Night Club, 935 Dillingham Blvd, Kalihi)
2/8/08
Hawaii Fighting Championships 7
(Kickboxing & MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
2/2/08
Man up and Stand up
(Kickboxing)
(Dole Cannery
Ballroom)
1/26/08
X1 World
Events: Champions
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
1/20/08
Big
Island Open Jiu-Jitsu Tournament
(Konawaena High School)
(BJJ/Sub Grappling)
(POSTPONED)
1/19/08
UFC 80: Rapid Fire
(BJ Penn vs. Joe Stevenson)
Newcastle, England
1/12/08
Hawaii Fight League
Season 1, Event 2
(MMA)
(Dole Cannery Ballroom)
|
|
January 2009 News
Part 2
|
Casca Grossa Jiu-Jitsu
is now the O2 Martial Arts Academy with 7 days a week training!
We are also offering Kali-Escrima (stick fighting) on Monday
nights with Ian Beltran and Kickboxing Tuesday and Thursday with
Kaleo Kwan & Chris Slavens!
Kids Classes are also
available!
Click
here for info!
Take classes from the Onzuka brothers in a family-like environment! |
In Memory of
Lars Chase
Rest in peace my brother
March 10, 1979 - April 2, 2008 |
Looking for a hotel
room on Oahu?
Check out this reasonably priced, quality hotel in Waikiki!
For the special Onzuka.com price, click banner above! |
Check out the FCTV website! |
Fighters' Club TV
The Toughest Show On
Teleivision
Tuesdays at 8:00PM
***NEW TIME***
Olelo Channel 52 on Oahu
Also on Akaku on Maui
Fighters' Club TV Radio
The Toughest Show On
Radio
Mondays at 9:00-10:00AM
AM1500 The Team
(808) 296-1500
- Call
in with questions and comments
with hosts Mark Kurano
& Patrick Freitas |
Onzuka.com
Hawaii Underground Forum is Online!
Chris, Mark,
and I wanted to start an official Onzuka.com forum for a while
now. We were searching for the best forum to go with and hit
a gold mine! We have known Kirik, who heads the largest and most
popular forum on the net, The Underground for years.
He
offered us our own forum within the matrix know as MMA.tv. The
three of us will be the moderators with of course FCTV808 being
the lead since he is on there all day anyway!
We
encourage everyone from Hawaii and our many readers around world
to contribute to the Hawaii Underground.
If you
do not have a login, it's simple and fast to get one.
Click here to set up an account.
Don't worry about using Pidgin English in the posting. After
all it is the Hawaii Underground and what is a Hawaii Underground
without some Aloha and some Pidgin?
To
go directly to the Onzuka.com Hawaii Underground Forum
click here!
|
Want to Advertise on Onzuka.com?
Click here
for pricing and more information!
Short term and long term advertising available.
More than
1 million hits and counting!
|
O2 Martial Arts
Academy Day Classes Start May 2!
Women & Kids Kickboxing Class starts May 4!
Click here
for pricing and more information!
O2MAA Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Day Classes will be held on Monday,
Wednesday, and Fridays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and will be taught
by one of Relson Gracie's first black belts, Sam Mahi!
We will be starting a Womens and Kids kickboxing class on Sunday
afternoons from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The class will be taught
by none other than O2's Kaleo Kwan! It will be a non-competitive,
fun atmosphere and allow the ladies and kids to get in a quick
workout and learn some legitimate kickboxing technique before
the long work week starts.
New
O2MAA Kid's Jiu-Jitsu Class Starts Friday, December 5 from 5:30
to 6:30 PM!
Adult Wrestling Class Starts Starts Friday, December 5 from 8:30
to 9:30 PM!
|
Want to Contact
Us? Shoot us an email by Clicking Here!
Quote
of the Day
“I
was I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence,
but it comes from within. It is there all the time.”
Anna Freud
|
WHITE
CONSIDERS IRELAND SHOW AMONG THE PROMOTION'S BEST
As
the UFC closed out their second show in Ireland, the crowd filtered
through the doors of the 02 arena satisfied with an exciting
night of fights, and president Dana White could not say enough
good things about the promotion's latest venture to the Emerald
Isle.
The
show packed in close to 10,000 fans that according to White ranks
along some of the loudest shows the company has ever had in his
tenure.
"Tonight
was an amazing event," White said following the event at
the post fight press conference. "I was just saying to these
guys, pound for pound probably one of the best arenas and best
crowds we've ever been to."
White
paid tribute to the shows that produced the biggest reaction
from the fans in attendance. It is interesting to note that 2
of the 3 shows he mentions actually take place outside of the
promotion's home base in America, a testament to the growth of
the sport and the UFC in broader venues.
"The
three that stand out for me – Montreal, 22,000 seats sold,
the crowd was absolutely insane, the whole three days that we
were there was crazy. The other one is Columbus, OH the first
time we ever went. 18,000 people, crowd was absolutely insane,"
White commented.
"9,500
people here tonight and one of the most energetic, incredible
crowds I've ever been a part of. It was an amazing night. The
fights were great, everybody came out and really fought their
hearts out for these fans here in Ireland. We knew how excited
they were for the UFC to be here and they were excited to be
a part of this fight too."
At
the post fight press conference, White cut out early after spending
multiple weeks on the road, but fighters such as Maurcio "Shogun"
Rua, Dan Henderson, Marcus Davis, and others answered questions
from the thrall of media in attendance.
It
seemed that every fighter on the card, felt the energy from the
packed house in attendance, making the UFC's return to Ireland
seemingly a lock.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
COLEMAN
THANKFUL FOR RETURN, BUT NOT FINISHED YET
Making
his way back to the UFC for the first time since 1999, Mark "The
Hammer" Coleman was unable to take a victory home to Ohio,
but he did walk away with a certain sense of pride, while also
gaining the respect of every fan that saw him go to battle on
Saturday night.
Fighting
a tough opponent and his own demons in the cardio game, Coleman
lost by TKO late in the third round to former pound for pound
king, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in a rematch from a fight
the two had while in the Pride organization in 2006.
Coleman
was humble in defeat, but also grateful for the chance to get
back into the Octagon – a place he called home when his
career began nearly 13 years ago.
"It
was great, it was an honor, a dream come true, what I've been
waiting for," Coleman told MMAWeekly after the fight. "Obviously
disappointed in my performance, but under the circumstances I
guess I did alright. I'm not going to cry about it, I didn't
have my best training camp ever."
The
former Ohio State wrestler told MMAWeekly Radio prior to the
fight that he worked primarily with his Hammer House teammates
in Ohio to get ready for the Shogun fight. He commented that
he had originally planned on making a trip to Las Vegas to work
with another team out there, but timing didn't work out before
this bout.
"I
feel like I can put together a hell of a better training camp,"
Coleman stated. "I'm not going to deny I was a little tired
out there, but I didn't quit. But I do plan on getting with some
real professional coaches. I've trained myself basically my whole
life, so I did the best I could tonight."
Following
the fight, Coleman was asked about the knee strike that Shogun
threw that caused the referee to stop the bout for a moment,
believing it was to the head of a downed opponent. There were
also noticeable lumps on the back of Coleman's head that he addressed
when talking about the possibility of strikes that landed there
that were not called by the referee.
"If
you ain't cheating you ain't trying," Coleman said. "He
got away with it. He's a pretty good fighter, he needs to go
back to the drawing board himself. If I had more in the gas tank,
he would have been in a lot of trouble."
It
would seem at this point that the multiple years of bad blood
that's seared between Coleman and Shogun has been put to rest,
and the 44 year old fighter had words of advice for the Brazilian,
as well as his hopes for a third match between the two someday
down the road.
"I've
got nothing against Shogun. I hope he gets his (expletive) together,
and gets his own ass in shape," said Coleman. "Cause
he was obviously tired himself, so he's got a lot of work to
do as well. I'm pulling for him cause I want him to win a few,
I want to win a few and I want to do it again."
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Shooto
Brazil: Ximu, Leo Santos win
BJJ Brazilian champion also submits in Rio
Once
again team Nova Uniao flexed its muscles. All ten athletes from
the team to wage war at the Delfim academy in Rio de Janeiro
this Saturday, January 17th, left triumphant. Only one of the
11 bouts went to a decision. The event was meant to raise funds
for WEC fighter Will Ribeiro, who suffered a serious motorcycle
accident and, after the fights, the crowd was treated to a big
screen showing of Ultimate Fighting Championship 93 live.
In
the main event, the only fight not to include the participation
of one of Andre Pederneiras’ team’s athletes, Gustavo
Ximu (Gracie Barra) had a tough first round against Pedro Paulo
(JT Caverna). But in the second Ximu invested in his standup
and, after taking his opponent down and mounting, he pounded
until Pedro’s corner threw in the towel. Another big name
at the event, Leonardo Santos notched his fifth win in a row.
Although Leo showed superior striking, he decided to take the
fight to his terrain, after which Danilo Brasilia (RFT) soon
succumbed to an arm-and-neck choke, while still in the first
round.
Also
going through a great phase, Nova Uniao/Boxe Thai’s Johnny
Eduardo managed a quick knockout over Andre Terere (Nocaute Fight),
2:11 min into the fight. Also with a quick knockout, Felipe Olivieri
(Nova Uniao/Boxe Thai) landed a flying knee to Nocaute Fight’s
Francisco Pimba’s and followed up with strikes on the ground
till referee Marcos Loro brought the fight to a close in the
first round.
Coming
off two losses, Marlon Moraes (Nova Uniao/Fight Co) showed his
mettle and rediscovered victory. With his first-rate striking,
he threw combination after combination and landed on top striking
Andre Roubert (Delfim) till Loro stepped in. Now Nova Uniao/Kimura’s
Jorjao faced a game Johnny “Ararauama” Vigo (Sandro
Bacalhau), but, despite his opponent’s toughness and greater
size, Jorge ended the bout in the first with a tight guillotine.
Current
Brazilian featherweight Jiu-Jitsu champion Marcelino Freitas
kicked off his MMA career well by submitting Carlos Roberto (JT
Caverna) with an armbar the younger fighter was reluctant to
tap to, resulting in a broken arm. To the joy of the Nova Uniao
fans present, their beloved Aquiles Campos saw victory in his
second career fight against Rafael Lima (JT Caverna) after sinking
an armbar from the triangle, in the first round, and Nova Uniao’s
Jacare made quick work of RFT’s Cyborg, with a rear-naked-choke
soon after the opening bell.
In
an abbreviated fight, Luis Beicao (Nova Uniao) managed some brilliant
takedowns and thunderous ground and pound. In the break before
the third round, Jorge Turco’s Rodrigo Pitbull deemed himself
unable to carry on. The only fight to go the distance drew a
split decision for Nova Uniao’s Giovanni Diniz, after a
tight dispute with Paulo Bananada (TFT), to protests from the
losing fighter’s camp.
Check
out the complete results:
Gustavo
Ximu (Gracie Barra) defeated Pedro Paulo (JT Caverna) by desistance
in R2
Luis Beição (Nova União) defeated Rodrigo
Pitbull (Jorge Turco) by desistance between second and third
Léo Santos (Nova União) submitted Danilo Brasília
(RFT) by arm-and-neck choke at 3:20 min of R1
Geovani Diniz (Nobre Arte/ Nova União) defeated Paulo
Bananada (TFT) by split decision
Johnny Eduardo (Boxe Thai/ Nova União) defated André
Tererê (Nocaute Fightby TKO at 2:11min of R1
Jorjão Rodrigues (Kimura/ Nova União) submitted
Johnny Araruama (Sandro Bacalhau) with a guillotine at 1:14min
of R2
Felipe Olivieri (Boxe Thai/ Nova União) defeated Francisco
Pimba (Nocaute Fight) by TKO at 3:22 min of R1
Marlon Moraes (Fight Co'/ Nova União) defeated André
Rouberte (Delfim) by TKO at 3:35min of R1
Jacaré (Nova União) submitted Cyborg (RFT) by rear-naked-choke
at 1:20min of R1
Marcelino Freitas (Nova União) submitted Carlos Roberto
(JT Caverna) by armbar at 3:35 min of R1
Aquiles Campos (Nova União) submitted Rafael Lima (JT
Caverna) by armbar at 1:47 min of R1
Source: Gracie Magazine |
Jacaré:
“I’ll win the Dream title in 2009”
Without
fighting since September, when he had his unbeaten sequence of
ten wins in the Dream's middleweight GP final, against Gegard
Mousasi, Ronaldo Jacaré wants to go back soon to the Japanese
rings. The athlete talked with TATAME about his trains at the
X-Gym, in Rio, and ensured that the title will come in 2009.
"I'm
training and I’ll stay focused, to when the Dream launch
the calendar I can be already prepared to fight. This year I'm
focused to get the belt and this year I’ll get it. I will
now begin to train to fight", said Jacaré, not thinking
about competing in Jiu-Jitsu or ADCC in 2009. "My focus
is the MMA, I’m not thinking about Jiu-Jitsu championships,
not even in ADCC at the moment".
Training
at the X-Gym, Jacaré uses his sharpened game of ground
to assist in the preparation of Anderson Silva, who defends the
belt of UFC against the compatriot Thales Leites, expert in the
art. "MMA is like this. I’ll be very helped and help
him a lot, that will fight against Thales, which is also very
hard, a great Jiu-Jitsu fighter", commented the two times
absolute Jiu-Jitsu champion, making his bets for the fight.
"Anderson
is as good standing as on the floor, he’ll do his job and
they’ll make a nice fight. I’m Anderson Silva, because
he’s at a phenomenal stage, already has several hours of
flying more than Thales", bet Jacaré.
Source: Tatame
|
Ronnys
Torres vs. Melvin Guillard at UFN 18
After
revealing to TATAME.com that he signed a contract with UFC, Ronnys
Torres already knows who he’ll face in his first fight in
the octagon. After a great job at Jungle Fight, in Brazil, the
Brazilian faces Melvin Guillard at UFC Fight Night 18, at April
1st.
“Melvin
has a heavy hand, but we’ll study his game and set a good
strategy for the fight and leave there with a good victory in
his debut”, said André Pederneiras, leader of Nova
União team. With 15 fights in career, Ronnys Torres has
only one loss, which happened in 2007. In the last 13 months,
Ronnys did eights fights and won all, most of them by submission.
Source: Tatame |
FRANK
TRIGG TO HEADLINE XCF ON FEB. 14
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - Fighter and broadcaster Frank Trigg
is ready to make his 2009 debut with Xtreme Cagefighting Federation
at the DynaPep "Rumble In Race Town" Saturday, Feb.
14 at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center. Coming off three straight
wins, Trigg is ready to keep his win streak alive in the main
event.
Trigg
is a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Pride
Fighting Championships with fourteen of his eighteen wins being
finishes. "I am excited to be headlining at XCF's 'Rumble
In Race Town' and working with Bland Sports to bring MMA to a
whole new audience. We had several options this year for fights,
but NASCAR racing and the Daytona 500 is the biggest of the big.
So fighting the night before the 500 is something I could not
turn down. Come February 14th my engine will be primed and ready
to roll." said Trigg.
For
the first time in mixed martial arts and motor sports history,
both sports will share the same city on the same weekend. "What
more could the fan base of both sports ask for in one weekend?"
says Doug Bland, Founder of Xtreme Cagefighting Federation. "With
over 200,000 people expected in Daytona that weekend, it allows
the Xtreme Cagefighting Federation the opportunity to help make
history by introducing each sports fan base to something new.",
says Bland who has 14 years of experience in Motorsports. "Having
Frank Trigg to help make that introduction of MMA to racing fans
is incredible." he added.
Also
scheduled to fight on the card are former UFC fighter's Terry
Martin, Jesse Taylor and Jeremy May. Along with former All-Pro
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive End, Marcus Jones and Daytona's
very own Todd Cutler.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
"You
may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't
try."
Beverly Sills
|
UFC
93 'Franklin vs. Henderson' Play-By-Play Results
UFC 93
the O2 Arena, Dublin, Ireland
1/17/09
1.
Marcus Davis (169) vs. Chris Lytle (171)
The
fighters are making their way out to the Octagon. The crowd absolutely
loves Davis.
Davis
has the two-inch reach advantage in this proposed slugfest.
R1:
Lytle flickers a jab and a leg kick. Lytle comes in with a flurry
and momentarily stuns Davis. Davis recovers. They clinch and
trade punches. Lytle is pushing the fight. Lytle moves in with
a flurry but its Davis who answers back. Another exchange of
punches. Lytle with a kick and Davis answers. Davis catches a
kick and tosses Lytle down, but allows Lytle to stand up. Davis
tags Lytle with a straight left. Lytle lands a hook. Davis hits
Lytle and Lytle falls to his back. Davis tries to follow but
Lytle quickly stands up. The take turns with a punch flurry to
end the round.
R2:
Lytle throws repeated lefts and rights. Davis ducks but Lytle
is relentless and Davis runs away. Davis catches Lytle and puts
him down. Lytle stands up. Davis hits Lytle with a knee to the
body. Lytle swings for the fences again. Davis avoids the bombs
and times a knee. Davis with more kicks to the body. Lytle continues
to try to connect on a knockout punch while Davis counterpunches.
They battle from clinch. Davis lands a left.
R3:
They hug to start the round. Lytle continues to throw bombs and
Davis counters. Lytle slowing dow. Davis works to pick Lytle
apart. They trade with 1:23 left. They continue attacking but
at a slower pace. Davis hits Lytle with a knee and Lytle stumbles.
Round ends.
Lytle
walks over to Davis, ands tells him "let's do it again."
Davis
wins via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
A
teary Davis thanks god and the UFC for the opportunity to fight
in Ireland.
2.
Alan Belcher (186) vs. Denis Kang (184)
Belcher
enters to Johnny Cash sporting a tattoo of the country singer's
face on his left arm.
R1:
Kang comes out jabbing. Kang connects with punches. Kang shoots
and takes Belcher down at 4:20. Kang passes to halfguard. Belcher
gets to his knees and Kang goes for Belcher's back. Kang gets
side control but is quickly put in full guard. Belcher kicks
Kang off and they are back to their feet. Kang lands more punches.
Belcher throws a kick but gets taken down. They fight with Belcher
in guard. Kang rolls for an anaconda choke and ends up in Belcher's
halfguard. Kang goes for a shoulderlock but Belcher escapes.
Round ends with Kang in side control.
R2:
They tangle in clinch. They separate at 4:09. Kang lands punches.
Belcher lands a right. Kang shoots and takes Belcher down. Kang
passes to halfguard. Belcher looks for a sweep. Kang stands up
and lands punches. Kang goes back into Belcher's guard. Referee
stands them up and they restart at 1:39. Belcher connects on
leg kicks. Kang shoots and this time Belcher pulls guard and
finishes with the choke!
Belcher
wins via submission (guillotine choke) - R2 (4:36)
Belcher
says he wished he were more dominant in this fight so that he
can call out for a title shot and admits he's at least 1 or 2
fights away.
3.
Jeremy Horn (185) vs. Rousimar Palhares (184)
Palhares
has teary eyes walking in and while being checked by the referee.
R1:
Palhares throws an overhand and they clinch. Horn is pushed back
into his guard. Palhares takes Horn's back and lands punches.
Horn gets on his back but Palhares takes side. Horn gives up
his back and eats punches. Horn escapes and closes his guard.
Palhares sits back for a leg submission but Horn avoids it right
away. Horn almost gets a triangle. They stand up and Palhares
powerfully puts Horn on his back. Palhares takes Horn's back.
Palhares with repeated punches. Horn takes the punches but eventually
escapes. Palhares wants a kneebar. Horn anticipates it and doesn't
let Palhares attempt it. Horn covers up on his knees while he
absorbs more punches.
R2:
Palhares lifts Horn high up with a single and puts Horn down.
Palhares has Horn's back. Palhares with more punches. Horn has
no answer for Palhares. After referee warnings, Horn stands up.
Horn trips Palhares down. Horn has full mount and an arm-triangle.
Palhares escapes. Horn still has mount. Palhares rolls out. They
are back up. Palhares with a spinning back kick. Palhares shoots
and Horn stuffs it. Horn throws a high kick that Palhares dodges.
Horn lands a hook. Horn goes for a kick but gets taken down.
Horn attempts a triangle choke but Palhares escapes. Palhares
hits Horn in Horn's halfguard.
R3:
Palhares grabs Horn's back and suplexes him! Palhares avoids
a takedown and controls Horn. Palhares works for the takedown
and gets it. Palhares takes Horn's back after Horn's failed attempt
at a triangle choke. Horn stands up and Palhares puts him right
back down. The referee stands them up and they restart with a
minute left in the fight. Horn needs a finish in order to win.
Horn throws a high kick but its blocked. Horn ends up on his
back.
They
get up and hug. Horn raises Palhares' hand.
Palhares
wins via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Palhares
says he broke his right hand in the first round but did his best
with the injury.
4.
Mark Coleman (206) vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (205)
R1:
Coleman goes for a takedown, gets hit with a knee, but recovers
to finish the takedown. Shogun gets up and has to fight off another
Coleman takedown attempt. Coleman finishes and Shogun goes for
a knee bar. They are up. Shogun lands a right hand. Shogun with
another knee. Coleman puts Shogun on his back. Shogun goes for
a leglock and Coleman turns away. Shogun takes down Coleman.
Coleman gets up. Shogun hitting Coleman with leg kicks. Coleman
is gassed. Shogun with more knees. Coleman shoots but Shogun
hops on his back. Shogun falls over and Coleman is safe. They
are back up. Coleman is very tired. Shogun lands a punch and
Coleman falls over. He's holding onto a leg. Coleman lands a
jab. Shogun with two knees and a leg kick. Coleman looks done.
R2:
Shogun landing leg kicks. Coleman connects on a jab Coleman shoots
and puts Shogun down hard. Shogun escapes and they're back to
their feet. Rua takes Coleman but Coleman powerfully turns and
they are back up. Coleman is able to land jabs. Coleman is exhausted
and looks like he's waiting to be knocked out. Luckily Rua doesn't
look that fresh either. They clinch. Rua with knees. Rua appears
to have pulled guard. Back up, Shogun moves forward. Coleman
takes down Rua, who is also tired. Rua goes for an omoplata.
For some reason, Rua is not going for a finish. Rua is content
with throwing lackluster punches. The round ends.
R3:
Coleman lands a jab. Shogun tries for the knees from clinch.
Coleman goes for the takedown and finishes with four minutes
left. Coleman passes to Rua's halfguard. Coleman lands punches.
Shogun goes for the heel hook. Coleman escapes and retains control
of Rua. Coleman lands hammerfists. Shogun stands up with a 1:05
left. Shogun throws a knee to the body but the referee mistakenly
thought the knee was to the head and the ref stands them up.
Rua drops Coleman with an uppercut and a left. Coleman is gassed
on his knees and the referee stops the fight.
Rua
wins via TKO - R3 (4:36)
Coleman
says he respects Shogun but wants a rubber match.
5.
Rich Franklin (203) vs. Dan Henderson (202)
R1:
They circle. Franklin throws a kick. Henderson backs Franklin
up with a punch. Henderson throws a kick and slips. Henderson
ends up on top in halfguard. Henderson drops elbows. Franklin
stands up but Henderson is throwing heavy rights. Franklin escapes
at 2:29. Franklin with a kick to the body. Henderson trips up
Franklin with a kick. Franklin with more body kicks. Franklin
lands a two-punch combo. Henderson hits back. Franklin lands
a clean body kick. Franklin goes for the takedown but Henderson
defends. Franklin charges with punches and Henderson blocks.
Franklin has a deep cut on the top right of his forehead from
an accidental headbutt.
R2:
More brawling in the second round. Franklin continues to attack
Henderson's body with kicks. Henderson gets a takedown at 2:20.
Franklin looks for the armbar from guard. Henderson passes to
halfguard and drops elbows. Franklin gets to closed guard. Henderson
tries to finish the round strong with punches and elbows.
R3:
Franklin with left punches and body kicks. They clinch. Henderson
puts Franklin on his back. Franklin escapes to his feet while
Henderson hooks a leg. Franklin drops punches. They stand up
in clinch. Franklin punches out of it. Henderson lands a leg
kick. Franklin grapples with Henderson for a takedown. They separate
with 1:05 remaining in the fight. Franklin with a punch combo.
Henderson kicks and slips. Back up. Franklin throws a punch and
gets poked in the eye when Henderson blocks. Franklin goes down.
Franklin gets two minutes to recover. They restart with 30 seconds
left, but nothing too much goes on.
Henderson
wins via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
Henderson
will coach The Ultimate Fighter 9 against Michael Bisping.
Submission
of the night goes to Alan Belcher.
Undercard
Results:
John
Hathaway overcame the jeers and stopped Tom Egan of Ireland with
elbows at 4:36 in the first round.
Martin
Kampmann pounded on Alexandre Barros with punches from mount
and then on Barros' back to force the referee stoppage at 3:07
of the second round.
BJJ
black belt Eric "Red" Schafer once again displayed
his proficiency in grappling, but this time chose a different
method of finishing his opponent: punches. After taking mount
with a sweep, Schafer rained down punches for the referee stoppage
at 3:35 of the first round.
Tomasz
Drwal outstuck Ivan Serati to ruin the Cage Rage veteran's UFC
debut in 2:02 of the first round. Drwal defended against Serati's
takedown attempts and instead put Serati on the ground to finish
with punches.
In
the opening fight, Dennis Siver snapped a two-fight losing streak
with a spinning back kick to the stomach in the third round against
the returning Nate Mohr. Dropping Nohr to his knees, Siver followed
with punches for the referee stoppage at 3:47.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
WEC
to debut in Texas on March 1
On March 1, the WEC will run a show in Texas for the first time,
bringing along two championship bouts.
Mike
Brown, in his first fight since shocking Urijah Faber, will defend
his featherweight belt against Leonard Garcia, while Carlos Condit
will give Brock Larson another shot at the WEC welterweight belt.
WEC
39 happens from the America Bank Center in Corpus Christi and
will air live on Versus.
Tickets
go on sale to the general public Monday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. CT.
The pre-sale date is this Friday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. CT by entering
"FIGHT" as the presale password.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
UFC
94 card line-up (Penn vs. GSP)
By Zach Arnold
As
it currently stands:
Undercard
Welterweights:
Matt Arroyo vs. Dan Cramer
Heavyweights: Jake O’Brien vs. Christian Wellisch
Welterweights: Chris Wilson vs. John Howard
Lightweights: Manny Gamburyan vs. Thiago Tavares
Welterweights: Jon Fitch vs. Akihiro Gono
Main card
Lightweights:
Nate Diaz vs. Clay Guida
Welterweights: Karo Parisyan vs. Dong Hyun-Kim
Light Heavyweights: Stephan Bonnar vs. Jon Jones
Light Heavyweights: Ryoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva
Welterweights: Georges St. Pierre vs. BJ Penn
Source: Fight Opinion
|
UFC
sells out 'St-Pierre vs. Penn 2'
The UFC announced today that tickets are sold out for UFC 94
"St-Pierre vs. Penn 2" at the MGM Grand Garden Arena
in Las Vegas.
The UFC is expecting over 14,000 in attendance to witness Georges
St-Pierre defend his welterweight belt against lightweight champ
BJ Penn.
Tickets
are available through resellers like StubHub.com.
Fight
Card:
Pay-Per-View
Bouts
Georges
St. Pierre vs. BJ Penn
Lyoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva
Stephan Bonnar vs. Jon Jones
Karo Parisyan vs. Dong Hyun Kim
Nate Diaz vs. Clay Guida
Preliminary Bouts
Jon
Fitch vs. Akihiro Gono
Manny Gamburyan vs. Thiago Tavares
Chris Wilson vs. John Howard
Jake O'Brien vs. Christian Wellisch
Matt Arroyo vs. Dan Cramer
Source: MMA Fighting
|
FEDOR
EMELIANENKO
“I Must be Very Prepared”
Emelianenko Keenly Aware of the Challenges Arlovski Will Present
By Kelsey Mowatt
For MMA fans the year could not be starting off much better,
as the coming weeks will feature several “super fights”,
pitting some of the world’s best fighters against each other.
Of course the upcoming January 24th heavyweight tilt between
Fedor Emelianenko and Andrei Arlovski is one of these fights,
as any time fans get to see the world’s best heavyweight
take on another top ranked fighter and former UFC champ, the
hype machine needs little help. In saying that however, perhaps
part of the reason the main event for Affliction and M-1’s
“Day of Reckoning” is so intriguing, is because over
the preceding two years, Fedor has not fought the level of competition
that he did during his tenure as Pride champion. The Russian’s
well documented victories over notable fighters like Rodrigo
Nogueira (twice) and Mirko Filipovic occurred over three years
ago, and throughout 2007 and 2008, Emelianenko fought just three
times. Fedor’s destruction of Tim Sylvia last summer at
Affliction’s debut event was impressive, but by fighting
Arlovski, “The Last Emperor” will have yet another
opportunity to demonstrate that his reign as the world’s
best pound-for-pound fighter, may not yet be over.
"Yes,
Andrei is a very skilled and dangerous fighter, another tough
UFC Champion on my resume,” Fedor was quoted saying in an
Affliction press release, while answering whether he believes
Arlovski may be one of toughest challenges yet. “I expect
a very difficult fight similar to my fights with Noguiera. I
must be very prepared."
Over
his last five fights Arlovski has put together a string of impressive
performances that seem to indicate that the Belarus native is
once again at the top of his game. In fact, four of these wins
have come way of KO or TKO stoppage, demonstrating the striking
skills which led to his ascension up the UFC heavyweight ranks.
"Andrei
is very quick on his feet,” said Fedor, when asked about
what specifically concerns him regarding Arlovski’s skill
set. “When he uses his speed in his stand-up, he can be
very dangerous. We must work to neutralize his effectiveness
on his feet."
According
to the release, Fedor’s training camp is taking place in
Stary Oskol, a small mining town which is situated 385 miles
south of Moscow. It would appear that despite the Russian fighter’s
success, he continues to train in modest conditions, removed
from elaborate equipment or state of the art facilities.
"There
is no other choice. This is my home,” Fedor said when asked
about the location of his training camp. “This is my land.
I would not want to choose anywhere else."
"It
looks like any other training gym,” the WAMMA champion furthered.
“Mats, ring and training equipment. But it is the location
that is the difference. We are high in the mountains and the
high elevation is good for cardio and muscle endurance. We train
in an area that is famous for its strong people. It feels more
like home here."
As
always, Fedor’s training partners have included fellow Red
Devil teammates Roman Zentsov, his brother Aleksander Emelianenko,
and the 20 year old prospect, Kiril “Baby Fedor” Sidelnikov,
who will fight veteran heavyweight Paul Buentello at the “Day
of Reckoning” card.
"Generally,
all fighters train the same,” Fedor said in the release.
“But everyone puts their own accents on preparation, their
own unique styles and preferences depending on their needs at
the time. Every fighter, myself included, has certain exercises
that they focus on based on the task at hand. But there are no
secret exercises that lead me to victory, just hard work in whatever
I do."
Affliction’s
“Day of Reckoning” event will take place January 24th
at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Source: Full Contact Fighter
|
UFC
94: tickets sold out
Event set for 31st
Considered
by Dana White to be one of the biggest fights he’s ever
promoted, Georges St.-Pierre vs BJ Penn, set for January 31st,
in Las Vegas, will be witnessed by 14 thousand people in the
MGM Grand Garden Arena. The UFC organization announced today
that tickets for UFC 94 have already been sold out.
Now
hopes turn to the number of pay-per-views sold, which could reach
the impressive mark of 1 million sold.
Check
out the complete card and stay tuned to GRACIEMAG.com for further
information:
Georges
St. Pierre vs B.J. Penn – welterweight title
Lyoto Machida vs Thiago Silva
Stephan Bonnar vs Jon Jones
Karo Parisyan vs Dong Hyun Kim
Nate Diaz vs Clay Guida
PRELIMINARIES
Jon
Fitch vs Akihiro Gono
Manny Gamburyan vs Thiago Tavares
John Howard vs Chris Wilson
Jake O'Brien vs Christian Wellisch
Matt Arroyo vs Dan Cramer
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
There’s
a New Trump in Town
by Loretta Hunt
When your last name is Trump you can’t help but look at
things in terms of mile-high skyscrapers and city blocks -- mixed
martial arts included.
Donald
Trump Jr., who has recently been entrusted with heading up the
Trump organization’s involvement with novice fight promotion
Affliction Entertainment for his famous father, said his added
role probably won’t veer too far from what he dabbles in
every day.
“It’s
probably a general question like when they ask me what I do within
the real estate companies and I say I do whatever is needed,”
said the eldest son of the pop culture icon.
Duties
will likely include coordinating marketing and promotions, as
well as assisting with fighter and venue contracts alongside
the Affliction promotion and its production partners, Golden
Boy Entertainment.
The
difference is this Trump, a 31-year-old father with his second
child on the way right around Affliction’s second event
on Jan. 24, is much closer to MMA’s strongest demographic
in every way.
“Having
probably the unconventional childhood that I had, I didn’t
play ball and catch with my father in the backyard and have the
typical American experience. I went to fights in Atlantic City
because it was an event we were hosting and putting on,”
said Trump.
A
few of those fights happened to take place in the Octagon. UFC
28, 30, and 31 were held at the 5,000-seat Mark G. Atess Arena
inside the Trump Taj Mahal in 2000 and 2001. The promotion, later
taken over by Zuffa LLC., would return to the larger Boardwalk
Hall, which is attached to Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, for
UFC 41, 50, and lastly, UFC 53 in June 2005.
“I
remember going to my first UFC and really not knowing the names
of the fighters and there certainly wasn’t some of the hype,
but going and watching this level of action and saying, ‘Oh
my God, this is a whole different world,’” said Trump
Jr.
Though
Trump Jr. said he was privy to the extravagant boxing events
during “Iron” Mike Tyson’s heyday and even the
ones that followed in his post-jail frenzy, the mogul’s
son saw more potential in MMA.
“Early
in my career, as much as I still go to boxing events, I just
got a little jaded with, ‘Well, if it ends up in a decision,
he with the biggest promoter seems to win.’ I never understood
that as a kid,” said Trump Jr.
One
would think with the Trump dynasty’s connections with Zuffa
and the UFC, as well as meticulous patriarch’s appetite
for attaching himself to winning prospects, that the first family
of real estate would want to hitch its wagon to the industry’s
leader. Times have changed, however. Though Zuffa might have
welcomed the Trump name and bank account as an ally only a few
years ago when it was digging itself into a $40 million hole,
today the UFC prides itself on flying solo.
Trump
Jr. doesn’t seem to mind.
“For
us, the opportunity was to be entrepreneurial, try to do something,
put on a little competition,” said Trump Jr. “Obviously,
I think they’ve [Zuffa] done a great job with what they
have and what they created in the sport, but for us, to get into
something a little more on the entrepreneurial side rather than
something that’s a little more established probably made
a lot more sense.”
Last
June, Mr. Trump stood at the podium in front of a standing-room-only
crowd and made his grand entrance as an ally of Affliction’s
cause.
Details
of the partnership between the property-pushing human conglomerate
and his clothing contemporary have been sketchy, though many
presume the ever-savvy Trump paid little, if anything, for a
piece of the fledgling fight company. And in return, Affliction
has been able to wield the Trump brand to lure in media and greater
opportunities for exposure.
“There’s
elements of that, but clearly were a very financially viable
company,” said Trump Jr. of the arrangement. “Obviously,
anything that we get involved in we’re able to negotiate
very favorable terms to us from a certain perspective because
of the brand that my father has created over 30 years as a businessman
and entrepreneur. I don’t know if our involvement is going
to be at a typical market rate for someone else that wanted to
come in and buy into a company, but there’s definitely financial
aspects of it that we’re involved in.”
It’s
an interesting time to join the fight biz. The MMA landscape
has been nothing short of volatile and lopsided in the last year.
While one entity has prospered, entire companies -- complete
with potentially lucrative broadcast television deals to boot
-- have been swallowed whole.
For
a debut event, Affliction “Banned,” held last July
at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., could be hailed as a
homerun on the first pitch. The event had an above-average paid
attendance number of 11,242 that generated a $2 million-plus
gate. An industry insider places the show’s pay-per-view
numbers somewhere in the range of 115,000 buys –- another
triumph considering no others outside the UFC have ever been
able to break the 50,000 mark.
Still,
the $3,300,000 spent in disclosed fighter pay -- which rises
to between $5-6 million when one includes the signing bonuses
forked over to bring the bigger names onboard –- does offset
what chance for profit the event had, if any. With Affliction
“Day of Reckoning,” set for Jan. 24 at the same venue,
boasting the returns of No. 1 world-ranked heavyweight Fedor
Emelianenko and the popular Andrei Arlovski, its purse total
is not expected to ebb considerably.
What
monetary commitment Trump might or might not have pledged suddenly
becomes extremely relevant. Trump Jr. remains tightlipped, though
he ensures his family won’t be going anywhere else soon.
“Any
fledgling business -- you just can’t make money off of nothing,”
said Trump Jr. “Maybe we’re able to do that every once
in a while, but that’s not all that often. To get to a level
where you can sustain… to be cash flow positive, you can’t
expect that to happen on the first show or right away. I can
tell you that we’re certainly committed to the sport and
have been for umpteen years and believe in the growth prospect.
So, I think we’re definitely in it for the long run.”
But
what strides can Trump Jr. and company expect to make hosting
three to four shows a year while the UFC gobbles up dollars and
cents hosting 20 events in that time?
If
there’s one thing a Trump knows, its money and trends. Trump
Sr. has endured numerous recessions, sometimes mulled with bankruptcy,
and lived to build countless more skyrises. In the shadow of
an increasingly squeamish market, Trump Jr. questions the salability
of such a feverish pace.
“Is
somebody going to buy a $45 pay-per-view every three weeks? Probably
not. Two years ago could you get away with it? Definitely. Did
it make sense? Definitely. Did people tune in? Almost without
question,” said Trump Jr. “I think what you have to
do is adjust your strategies according to a lot of the economy
and what that will give you.
“When
you start getting cards that are kind of average just to put
out a show… are all those things actually turning a profit
or digging themselves further into a hole, especially going into
a bad [economic] time?” he continued. “For us, I’d
rather put on three great shows a year or a great show a quarter,
build up a loyalty to us, make sure the fans are getting what
they want, as opposed to saying, ‘Well, let’s just
throw on a show to make sure we have presence in the market.’
I’d rather give them the quality and people will stick around.
When we think it makes sense to put on more shows, we will.”
In
light of the coming months, Trump Jr. could have a point. Although
it’s hard to validate a successful future for the promotion
when one of its partners encroaches on those few nights Affliction
does decide to hold an event.
Golden
Boy’s decision to pit three-time world boxing champion Antonio
Margarito against three-division world champion "Sugar"
Shane Mosley at the nearby Staples Center in Los Angeles on the
same night is perplexing to say the least. Not only will these
newfound partners vie for ticket buyers, they’ll also split
the press attempting to cover both events in the crucial days
leading up to Jan. 24.
Trump
Jr. likens the situation to a multi-million dollar investment
deal. If a New York real estate developer suddenly goes into
business with a peer in Connecticut, neither can expect the other
to stop making deals outside their partnership, regardless if
it effects the other. Though this situation might be likened
more to two hotels being built on the same block, it’s not
a permanent predicament. The established Golden Boy promotion
is providing a crucial production arm that Affliction lacks,
and Trump Jr. said the positives will outweigh the negatives
in the long run.
“There’s
definitely [cross-over] fans of both [events],” said Trump,
“but I think that relationship [between Affliction and Golden
Boy] is fairly new and fresh. I know they’d been talking
about these other fights that have been on the books for a very
long time as well, before we were even committed with Golden
Boy. I think we recognize that and in the future we’ll do
a better job to keep them more separate and distinct. But there’s
only so many Saturday nights in the year. We do have to work
around it and make sure we aren’t cannibalizing off of each
another. Ultimately, for the promotion of events in the future,
it will work out better.”
Source: Sherdog
|
KANG
IS CONFIDENT HEADING INTO UFC DEBUT
by Damon Martin
When Pride Fighting Championships was bought by Zuffa many of
the fighters under their umbrella moved into the Ultimate Fighting
Championship, but many others chose to move on to different promotions
instead. One of those fighters, Denis Kang, left for a different
option, but starting in Ireland at UFC 93 he will finally get
his chance to compete in the world famous Octagon for the first
time.
A
longtime member of the American Top Team, Kang spent the last
two-plus years fighting in various organizations all over the
world, but when the UFC came calling after his latest free agency
stint, he decided he wanted to make the move.
"They
made me a pretty lucrative offer that I really couldn't ignore,
and a lot of it too had to do with you've seen most of the tough
fighters in the country gravitating now towards the UFC,"
Kang told MMAWeekly Radio recently. "I wanted to be a part
of that elite group, if you want to be the man, you've got to
beat the man, so I've got to go in there and beat the men."
Following
a devastating knockout of former UFC fighter, Marvin Eastman,
in Canada last October, Kang got the call and told the promotion
that he'd be ready to fight again as early as January. It didn't
take UFC matchmaker Joe Silva very long to find a fit for Kang,
which was exactly what he was hoping for.
"I'm
the kind of fighter I like to fight every two or three months
if I can," commented Kang. "I feel that's when I'm
at my best, I stay sharp, it's easier to cut weight, and you're
fit and things like that."
Fighting
regularly is a part of what Kang likes to do. Not knowing who
he was fighting was a problem Kang says he dealt with regularly
when dealing with promotions like K-1 Hero's or Dream, which
changed opponents sometimes within days of the scheduled bout.
Kang
admits that he has very much enjoyed having a full training camp
with one opponent in mind, but working with a great number of
UFC fighters already has helped him prepare for his debut this
month.
"It's
not that different. The only thing I'm adding now is more emphasis
on cage work, working with and against the fence, but it's not
really different," said Kang. "I'm doing the 5 minute
rounds as well. But actually before that, the whole time I've
been in Montreal I've been helping Georges (St. Pierre) get ready
for his fight and he's fighting in the UFC, so I've had to get
used to the 5 x 5 (minute rounds). That's all he fights."
While
in Montreal, Kang has worked alongside St. Pierre as well as
other top stars such as Rashad Evans, Keith Jardine, David Loiseau
and many others. The strategy for Kang now is to prepare for
his opponent, Alan Belcher, a veteran of seven fights in the
UFC.
"I
thought it was a good fight," Kang said about being offered
to fight Belcher. "He's a young, cocky kid, coming off a
win over (Ed) Herman, he's got a flashy Muay Thai style, and
you can tell he's improving his wrestling and his grappling,
so I think it's good. It's a competitive fight."
With
the first match-up only days away, Kang gave his thoughts on
a growing middleweight division, with current champion, Anderson
Silva, sitting on the king's throne.
"There's
a lot of guys," Kang stated about the middleweight division.
"There's Thales Leites, he's going to fight really soon,
Demian Maia's just tearing it up, there's Michael Bisping who's
on a good roll as well. I don't know if Henderson and Franklin
are still going to fight at middleweight, but if they do those
guys are a threat to be reckoned with for sure. I'm not looking
past Belcher that's for sure."
Kang
has been working in Montreal for several months to get ready
for the fight, but still remains loyal to the American Top Team
based out of Florida. Training in Montreal in wintertime, he
also misses something else.
"I
miss them," Kang said about his team.
"I
miss the Florida sun," he said with a laugh.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quach
replaces Hominick at Affliction 'Day of Reckoning'
Icon Sport champ Bao Quach will replace Mark Hominick against
LC Davis at Affliction "Day of Reckoning" on Jan. 24
in Anaheim, California.
Quach
is on a nine-fight winning streak and is coming off a Icon Sport
North American 140-pound title win at Icon Sport "Hard Time"
last August in Hawaii.
Fight
card:
Fedor
Emelianenko vs. Andrei Arlovski
Josh Barnett vs. Gilbert Yvel
Matt Lindland vs. Vitor Belfort
Renato "Babalu" Sobral vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
Chris Horodecki vs. Dan Lauzon
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Vladimir Matyushenko
Jay Hieron vs. Jason High
Albert Rios vs. Antonio Duarte
Brett Cooper vs. Patrick Speight
Paul Buentello vs. Kiril Sidelnikov
LC Davis vs. Bao Quach
Source: MMA Fighting
|
AFFLICTION
NEWS- FREDDIE ROACH
Roach Breaks Down Fedor
By Steven Marrocco
Freddie Roach stands by his criticism of Fedor Emelianenko’s
standup skills.
“I’m
just calling it like I see it, Roach said. “If he tries
to outbox us, let him try.”
On
Jan. 24, Roach’s pupil, Andre Arlovski, faces the Russian
for the WAMMA heavyweight belt.
The
three-time boxing Trainer of the Year drew much attention for
his comments on Emelianenko’s lack of finesse on the feet,
but in a media conference call for Affliction’s “Day
of Reckoning,” he had ultimate confidence that his fighter
would triumph if the upcoming fight stood.
“He’s
a good puncher, but as a boxer, he doesn’t have the skills
Arlovski does, and I think we’ll take advantage of that,”
Roach re-stated.
Roach,
along with jiu-jitsu coach Dino Costeas, wrestling coach Sean
Bormet, and fellow boxing coach Mike Garcia, have worked in tandem
to round Arlovski’s game out. Roach views the ground game
curiously, but he’s tried to get as up to speed as possible.
“I
am learning—I am capable still—but I’m mostly
boxing,” he said. “It’s very complicated, and
it’s not something I’m going to learn overnight.”
Where
Roach feels the fight will be won is on the feet, literally.
He’s been drilling Arlovski constantly on his footwork and
finding angles, because after watching twenty-some Fedor fights,
it’s the hole he wants to exploit.
“I
know he’s a good puncher coming forward, but his footwork’s
not that great and I think we have a huge advantage in the footwork,”
he said.
According
to Roach, Arlovski’s biggest area improvement in their three
years together is footwork. The trainer puts the Belarusian in
the ring with pro boxers, one he says moves and strikes like
Emelianenko, and watches how he does. One sparring partner, Juan
Carlos Garcia, is a 7-8 journeyman who Roach says Arlovski is
“50-50 with.” In the world of boxing, that might be
an alarming stat. But in MMA, a practice that may never catch
up to boxing’s skill set, it’s not as troublesome.
“His
handspeed has really improved a lot, his selection of punches,”
Roach said. “The biggest thing is his footwork. He fights
like a little guy. He has great movement for a heavyweight.”
Emelianenko
is also renowned for his movement, but on the canvas. That’s
not Roach’s job. Whether good or bad for Arlovski’s
mindset, his confidence is built on one aspect of the fight.
The other stuff that comes along with Emelianenko—a nearly
undefeated record, the decimation of some of the world’s
greatest fighters, an ability to turn disadvantages to advantages,
is worked out through the gym.
“We
do a lot of psychological work on hard work alone,” Roach
said. “Being in the best shape he can be, and dedicating
himself to doing that is the key to..not being afraid or getting
tired. We have a good team. We work out in the boxing gym, we
go to the wrestling gym. We’re not going to be intimidated
by Fedor.”
Now
that he’s making his mark in MMA, the 48 year-old says he
will open his doors to fighters in the sport.
“If
someone wants to come to me and they have the dedication and
desire to work hard like Andre does, I’m going to help anyone
I can,” he said. “I don’t dislike any sport—a
good fight’s a good fight. I don’t care if it’s
boxing match or MMA, but I just like fights, and if I can bring
out the best in somebody, I can help them better themselves,
I’m going to do it.”
In
the past, Arlovski has hinted he’d like to step into the
ring as a boxer, and Roach supports that too.
Roach
will be in Arlovski’s corner on the 24th, an experience
he says is no different in MMA than boxing. It’s a new world
for him, but one is gradually settling in to.
“We
have a good team, and we’re doing everything possible to
win this fight, “ he said. “I’m just looking for
a big W.”
Source: Full Contact Fighter
|
Arona
at ADCC 2009?
Black belt training with eye on invite
On the cover of November’s issue of NOCAUTE magazine, Ricardo
Arona announced to GRACIEMAG.com that his vacation is coming
to an end. Not having stepped in a ring since April of 2007,
when he participated at the final Pride event, the Carlson Gracie
black belt has already laid out his next career objective: to
go for one more title at the ADCC, which will be held in New
York this year.
“It’s
hot as hell here in Niteroi, but I’m training. I’ve
got news, I want to fight at ADCC 2009. My idea is to talk to
the organizers and see if there’s a possibility of my being
invited, for all the titles I’ve won at the event. I don’t
really want to go through the trials in Rio, especially since
it’s already too close to the event to be able to train
properly. That’s why my idea is to go straight into the
main tournament, to go right up against all the toughest from
around the world. I even called up Paulao [Filho] to see if he’d
get motivated about participating, but he says he doesn’t
want to. So I came up with the organizers’ email, and I’ll
be contacting them to see about an invite. I’m excited,”
said the champion of the superfight at ADCC 2003, in Sao Paulo,
when he dethroned Mark Kerr.
Arona,
who was also two-time champion at 98kg (2000/1) and absolute
champion in 2001, is one of the winningest fighters of the ADCC,
the grappling tournament that has been around since 1998. It
was at the event founded by Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed, of the
United Arab Emirates, where the Carioca, then still a brown belt,
swapped takedowns with beasts of the caliber of Tito Ortiz and
same his name catapulted to fame, in 2000. A little later on,
Arona would sign a contract to fight in the big-money Japanese
MMA scene.
Should
his name be confirmed, Arona will could participate in a replay
of one of world MMA’s classic bouts, since the organizers
announced Russian Fedor Emelianenko has shown interest in participating
in the competition. Arona and Fedor have faced off once before
in December of 200, at the now-defunct Rings event. The Russian
won by unanimous judges’ decision, in an evenly-matched
bout.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Sengoku
to hold tryouts for amateur fighters
World Victory Road will hold tryouts for amateur fighters in
hopes of securing a contract with its "Sengoku" promotion.
The
tryouts, open to fighters around the world, will be held February
1 at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. local time at the Buddy Nagatsuta in Yokohama,
Japan.
To
qualify, fighters must be over 18 or with parental permission
if underage. Participants must not have an existing contract
with any organization and must not have professional fighting
experience.
The
fighters successful in the tryouts will receive free training
at participating gyms (GRABAKA, SHOOTO Gym group, PANCRASE, Yoshida
Dojo, Wajutsusenshukai).
World
Victory Road will provide management for the fighters, which
includes helping fighters find jobs that won't interfere with
training as well as coordinating fights in amateur Shooto events
until the fighter is ready to go pro.
How
to apply:
Apply
by mail or email with the following information. Applications
must be submitted by January 28, 2009.
Full
Name
Address
Phone number and email address
Date of Birth
Height and weight
Experience (in any sports and MMA)
Career record if any
Mail to:
World Victory Road Co. Ltd.
Attn: Sengoku Ikuseisenshu Boshu
Shinjuku Sumitomo Bldg. 35FL
2-6-1 Nishishinjuku Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 160-0023 Japan
For
more questions, email info@sengoku-official.com or call 03-5381-710.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Quote
of the Day
"The
cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity."
Dorothy Parker
|
UFC
93 card line-up for PPV
(1/17 Dublin, Ireland)
By Zach Arnold
Hawaii Air Times
4:30PM - Preshow
5:00PM - Event Starts
Oceanic Cable Channel 701
As it stands
right now:
205
pounds: Rich Franklin vs. Dan Henderson
205 pounds: Mark Coleman vs. Mauricio Shogun
185 pounds: Alan Belcher vs. Denis Kang
185 pounds: Jeremy Horn vs. Rousimar Palhares
170 pounds: Marcus Davis vs. Chris Lytle
170 pounds: Martin Kampmann vs. Alexandre Barros
205 pounds: Eric Schafer vs. Antonio Mendes
205 pounds: Tomasz Drwal vs. Ivan Serati
170 pounds: Tom Egan vs. John Hathaway
155 pounds: Dennis Siver vs. Nate Mohr
Source: Fight Opinion
|
Pros
Pick: Henderson vs. Franklin
by Mike Sloan
Headlining the UFC 93 card in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday is
one heck of a matchup between two former world champions.
Dan
Henderson, the former Pride champion at 205 and 183 pounds, will
take on former UFC middleweight king Rich Franklin. A real fight
in every way, MMA experts seem to be torn between Franklin’s
vaunted striking prowess and Henderson’s trademark dirty
boxing and vicious wrestling.
With
the winner penciled in to coach alongside Michael Bisping on
the next season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” Sherdog.com
caught up with plenty of professional fighters and trainers for
their predictions on Henderson vs. Franklin.
Ricardo
Liborio: Franklin will pull this one by decision.
Randy
Couture: Henderson should win, but that’s a tough fight!
Rick
Roufus: No knockout. It’s a hard fight. Could go either
way, submission or TKO.
Jaime
Fletcher: I think this is a good matchup. Hendo’s wrestling
is sick and he’s got iron in his chin and fists. However,
I think Franklin is a bit more well versed all around. Look for
Hendo to try and dominate with his Greco ground control and turn
it into a brawl standing and for Franklin to get the better of
the standing exchanges and scrambles. Rich by some type of finish
in the third round. I love both of these guys, though!
Marvin
Eastman: Ground-and-pound (by) Dan Henderson in the third round.
The
pros give the
edge to Dan Henderson.Matt Lindland: Dan. Did you even need to
ask? If it wasn’t for that fight, I doubt I would even watch
this one.
Guy
Mezger: I am going to take Hendo just because it’s tough
to bet against him.
Eddy
Millis: Henderson by KO.
Shannon
Gugerty: I got Dan Hendo by decision.
Nathan
Diaz: Henderson. He’s better.
Kevin
Burns: Henderson wins a decision. It will be a tough fight, though,
and great to watch!
Travis
Wiuff: Tough fight to predict. Both great fighters. I will take
Henderson because of his ability to control the fight with his
wrestling in a very close decision.
Urijah
Faber: I think Henderson will win via TKO in the second.
James
Fanshier: I love Franklin. He has been one of my favorites since
he started fighting in the UFC. However, Henderson’s strengths
should neutralize Rich’s. Henderson (via) TKO in the third
from the clinch.
Gabe
Ruediger: I’ve got to go with Dan either by decision or
TKO. Franklin is a great fighter and this is a great matchup.
Travis
Lutter: I think Dan will win the first round and then start kickboxing
and end up losing on decision in a close fight.
Nick
Thompson: I think Rich takes it because he is unbelievably good
and Dan won’t be able to keep him down. That being said,
I got all three wrong (for UFC 92), so what do I know?
Luigi
Fioravanti: Hendo by decision.
Zac
George: Dan and Rich are equally skilled, but I think Dan’s
aggressive boxing and ground-and-pound lay the foundation for
the win.
Cyrille
Diabate: I've been training with Dan for this fight and I think
he's come up with the perfect plan and skills to beat Rich. Dan's
power and wrestling will be too much for Rich. Dan by TKO in
the second.
Jamie
Varner: I give the edge to Dan even though Rich is bigger. Dan
has heavy hands and is a great wrestler. I see him taking Rich
down and controlling the fight.
Stephane
Vigneault: I think Dan Henderson is going to win that fight by
unanimous decision (after) three rounds because of his aggressiveness
and superior wrestling.
Jonathan
Goulet: I really hope that Dan Henderson will win that fight
and I think he will win in the second round by KO.
James
Zikic: I predict that Franklin will overcome the strength and
wrestling of Henderson with intelligence, skill and technique
in a similar way to how he overcame the superior wrestler in
Hamill.
Pros
who picked Henderson: 18
Pros who picked Franklin: 5
Pros who couldn’t decide: 1
Source: Sherdog
|
UFC
93 IN-DEPTH: FRANKLIN VS. HENDERSON
by Damon Martin
In what was a dream match for many fans throughout the years,
Rich Franklin, a former UFC middleweight champion, and Dan Henderson,
the former Pride welterweight champion, will finally meet at
UFC 93 in Dublin, Ireland. But while much of their fame comes
at fighting at 185 pounds, the two warriors will meet at 205
pounds instead with the winner going on to coach opposite Michael
Bisping on the latest installment of the "Ultimate Fighter".
The
match-up has been dissected numerous times over the years when
the two fighters lived in different promotions, but the time
is now and Rich Franklin vs. Dan Henderson is finally going to
happen.
STRIKING
This
is a strength for both fighters in this bout, but in much different
ways. Rich Franklin has shown to have tremendous striking skills
in all of his bouts, with the exception of his losses to 185-pound
king Anderson Silva. Franklin is very technically sound when
striking with his opponents, and the Cincinnati native has no
problem letting his hands and feet go.
In
many fights, Franklin has used his superior kickboxing to out
point or knock out a great number of top fighters including Nate
Quarry, the late Evan Tanner, and Yushin Okami. The one knock
on Franklin's stand-up game would be his style of throwing looping
hooks that sometime leave him open to take damage down the middle,
but he is very well rounded when throwing punches, kicks and
knees from the clinch.
As
for Dan Henderson, the Team Quest member has always worked to
break away from the notion that he's a wrestler with decent stand-up.
His knockout of Wanderlei Silva in early 2007 left many fans
with their jaws on the ground after he landed a thunderous right
hand that put the Brazilian down and out for good.
Henderson's
right hand is by far his most dangerous weapon, and he will throw
it with reckless abandon in almost any fight. While he is not
nearly as technically sound as Franklin on the feet, his right
hand could be the great equalizer in this fight if his opponent
isn't careful.
Franklin
has the edge standing though, just based on overall skill and
technique, but he needs to avoid any kind of flurry that Henderson
might throw looking for that knockout shot.
GRAPPLING
AND SUBMISSIONS
On
the grappling side of things, Dan Henderson will have a decided
advantage when it comes to wrestling, as he is a former NCAA
championship and Olympic level wrestler. Henderson has shown
tremendous strength when working his opponent's over with his
wrestling and clinch game.
Henderson
has always been seen as a freakishly strong fighter, who has
in the past been able to use that to keep opponents down or basically
wherever he wants to put them. His grappling skills have developed
tremendously over the years as well, but he has fell victim in
the past to a few submissions. The California native works hard
to improve his submission game with every fight, but his is more
of a defensive technique as he rarely will go for any kind of
hold that would end a fight.
Rich
Franklin has worked for many, many years with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
black belt, Jorge Gurgel, in his school in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Franklin has submitted a number of his opponents, and also has
a tremendous ability to fend off submissions as he showed in
fights against Travis Lutter and Yushin Okami.
If
the fight goes to the ground, it will likely be Henderson that
takes it there, but Franklin has the edge when it comes to submissions,
although he may have a tough time catching a very game and veteran
fighter like Dan Henderson.
OCTAGON
CONTROL
This
is a category that will really only be defined by which fighter
is able to control where the fight ends up. If Franklin does
a good job of peppering away at Henderson with jabs and other
punches, he will likely keep the Team Quest fighter off base
for much of the fight. Franklin has the power and technique to
knock Henderson out, he just needs to work from the outside,
while moving away from the dangerous right hand of his opponent.
Dan
Henderson is always aggressive though and shows no fear in any
fight, so he may have a better presence all around when it comes
to Octagon control. He has always had a dangerous clinch and
wrestling game to back him up whenever needed, and if he can
cut the cage off and make Franklin avoid him then he will have
the advantage in this area as well.
CONDITIONING
This
is a major factor in every bout, but if past experience shows
anything, both Franklin and Henderson have tremendous conditioning.
While fighting as a champion or for the championship, Franklin
has fought in five title matches, which obviously put his conditioning
to the test as he prepped for a five-round fight in each contest.
Henderson
is no slouch in this area either. As a Pride fighter, Henderson
had to always prepare for a treacherous 10-minute first round
in almost every fight, and then two more five-minute rounds in
many of his bouts. Also as a wrestlter, Henderson prides himself
on conditioning when heading into battle.
The
true determining factor in this fight, as it is only scheduled
for three rounds, is to see if one of these fighters can keep
up such a feverish pace that it does actually tire out the other
one. Franklin could us an elusive striking plan that forces Henderson
to chase him, just waiting for a big shot to land (much like
Rashad Evans did against Chuck Liddell) and if he baits him in
well enough, Henderson could find himself in trouble cardio wise.
The
same can be said for Dan Henderson though if he can continuously
take Franklin down during the fight and make him work that much
harder to get out form underneath him. There is little doubt
that Franklin will not want to spend that much time under Henderson
with his wrestling pedigree, so he could get tired just working
to stand back up.
The
overall conditioning for either fighter should not be a factor
in this fight, but if one can expose the other in the endurance
category it could make all the difference in this fight.
THE
"X" FACTOR
With
this fight taking place in Ireland, the travel could play havoc
for a number of fighters on this card that have never had to
fly overseas, or deal with a major time difference when getting
ready to fight. Fortunately for Franklin and Henderson, both
have traveled a number of times for fights. Franklin is one of
the few fighters that is making a return trip to Ireland so he
may have a little bit more awareness as far as foods and nutrition
to bring with him or to pick up when fueling himself for the
fight.
It
could be argued that Dan Henderson actually has more to fight
for in this bout, than Rich Franklin does. It's no secret that
Henderson wants to get back to another shot at UFC middleweight
champion, Anderson Silva, and if he beats Franklin, he gets a
coaching slot on the new season of the "Ultimate Fighter".
Following that stint he would then fight popular British fighter,
Michael Bisping, and the winner would almost be guaranteed a
title shot.
Franklin
has been there and done that twice against Anderson Silva, with
similar results both times. If he beats Henderson, Franklin has
never sounded ultra enthusiastic about coaching another season
of the "Ultimate Fighter" and a fight against Michael
Bisping would take place at middleweight, which is the division
he just left behind. Motivation wise, it would seem Henderson
is fighting for more in this one.
KEYS
TO SUCCESS
Both
fighters coming into this bout have been on the biggest stages,
in the biggest fights, so ultimately it will come down to skill
in the cage and not much else.
For
Franklin to win he needs to be smart when standing on his feet
with Henderson by throwing a lot of jabs to use his reach, while
not being afraid to keep him off balance with a few leg or body
kicks. The former math teacher has to know his danger from Henderson
standing will come by the way of a big overhand right, so if
he can circle away from that side and make his opponent come
after him, Franklin should be able to frustrate him while landing
good punches of his own.
Henderson
needs to close the distance in this fight, plain and simple.
Whether he intends on standing or going to the ground with Franklin,
it's Henderson's ability to stay close to Franklin and not give
him any range that will be the key to his victory. If Henderson
can take the center of the Octagon early and the move to trap
Franklin against the cage either in the clinch or simply by a
takedown, he will show his advantages in this fight.
Henderson
has the ability to take anybody in MMA down to the ground, but
will he have it in his head that he wants to stand and trade
with Franklin, looking for that knockout blow? The Team Quest
fighter may be better served to take Franklin down early, and
then make him think about the wrestling game so the next time
Henderson ducks for a takedown and Franklin is looking to sprawl,
he could unload that right hand and end the fight right then.
Both
fighters have a tremendous amount of skill and big fight experience,
that they are simply too evenly matched to say anyone has a clear
advantage going in. The fans will be the real winners when Franklin
and Henderson square off.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Shaolin
in the Big Apple
By Jim Genia
Vitor
“Shaolin” Ribeiro. The name is synonymous with flawless
jiu-jitsu, lightweight dominance and excitement. But now the
Brazilian, who for the longest time was the unheralded boogeyman
of the 155-pound weight class, has pulled up his roots and made
a new home for himself. Gone are the balmy Rio de Janiero nights
and blended shakes of juice and acai. Now, for the 29-year-old
who’s defeated the likes of Chris Brennan, Joachim Hansen
and a laundry list of Japanese fighters, it’s all about
the Empire State Building and the subway. For Shaolin, it’s
about the Big Apple.
“I
don’t have any problem with cold weather,” says the
Andre Pederneiras Nova Uniao black belt and three-time Mundial
champ. “My friends always told me it doesn’t matter
about the cold, buy a good jacket and come.” Sitting with
Shaolin before his Tuesday evening class it is clear that he’s
almost completed the transition. In his hand is a coffee, and
he sips from it while greeting the students who arrive. “I
came here a lot of times in the last three years and saw a lot
of potential in the city. It’s huge and there are a lot
of schools, but I think there’s room for one guy who does
a good job and has a lot of new ideas – that’s the
reason I moved here. It’s always been my dream to open a
school, and after last year me and my wife talked a lot about
it. I have a baby, and my wife gave me a lot of support. So last
year in July we moved, and rented an apartment, paid the visa,
paid this, paid that, and now I’m almost a New Yorker. Now
I’m very happy here with my new friends. I think the city
has a lot of potential, and right now, step by step, the school
is growing.” He adds: “There are a lot of good reasons
to be in New York. It [will be] easier for me to go to Japan
and fight, easier to visit my friends in England, Belgium –
my affiliates. It’s easier to support my friends in the
future.” Shaolin goes on to mention the possibility of an
exchange program of sorts, where jiu-jitsu studs are sent to
Brazil and vice versa, similar to Renzo Gracie’s Academy’s
relationship to Gracie Barra. But that’s all in the future,
as is the highly-accomplished fighter’s New York-based MMA
program. “Right now I only offer jiu-jitsu and submission,
but if I get the right guys, maybe I’m going to start offering
MMA, too.”
Shaolin
has amassed an impressive 19-2 record since first stepping into
combat back in November, 2001, where he stopped Charlie Kohler
at the World Fighting Alliance event in Las Vegas. He left Kohler
a bloody mess, and that, plus his WFA 2 bout against Joe Hurley
(where he left Hurley asleep on the mat) and his WFA 3 bout against
Eddie Yagin, are the only instances the Brazilian has fought
on American soil. Instead, he’s been large and in charge
in Japan, in events like Shooto and K-1 Hero’s, and in England
in Cage Rage. Unfortunately, fighting overseas often means little
exposure to US fans. Why hasn’t he fought in the UFC? Says
Shaolin, “I remember before I signed with K-1, my manager
offered two contracts – he sent me a contract from the UFC,
and he talked about K-1. I remember that when we talked about
the UFC, my division wasn’t ready yet. There wasn’t
a champion. After BJ Penn and Caol Uno, the division was gone,
you know? After a little while, the guys started to return, but
there was no champion, there weren’t so many guys, not so
much attention… My manager showed me the contract, I saw
the numbers, I put the numbers in my mind – ‘okay,
10 percent for this, 20 percent for tax, not too many sponsors’
– and this was before ‘The Ultimate Fighter’.
Remember, the UFC blew up after The Ultimate Fighter. But before
that, Pride was the best show in the world and the UFC was always
looking for ideas to get bigger and blow up. And The Ultimate
Fighter did that for them. But when they started making The Ultimate
Fighter, I had already signed with K-1. Right now, the UFC is
huge. But I’m very happy – I’m very happy with
K-1. Hopefully, this year I’ll return to the ring. I haven’t
signed anything yet, but hopefully March or April. We’ll
see.”
Shaolin’s
only losses have come at the hands of tough Japanese warrior
Tatsuya Kawajiri and K-1 Hero’s tournament winner Gesias
“JZ” Cavalcante, and after his loss to JZ in 2007,
Shaolin spent 2008 on the sidelines. “I stopped last year
because of an injury,” he says. “After my injury I
was ready to fight, but then one guy refused to fight me, another
time they offered me [Mach] Sakurai. Sakurai is 170, I’m
155. Then I stopped to give a lot of attention to my school.
Now I’m ready to start training again and return to fight.”
I press him on the nature of his injury. “I injured my eye
in 2006 or 2007,” he says. “Detached my retina from
a punch. But everything worked well with my doctor in Brazil,
now I’m 100 percent good. I’m ready to fight, and I’m
anxious to fight. Now I only wait for a call.”
Who
was Shaolin’s toughest opponent? “Kawajiri. He didn’t
accept my game. Always when I put him down he always looking
for ways to get on his feet again, and this kind of thing makes
every jiu-jitsu fighter tired because you don’t have calm
to work your jiu-jitsu game. You’re always thinking, ‘keep
the guy on the ground, keep the guy on the ground.’ His
legs were pretty strong. The first fight, he didn’t know
my game, I didn’t know his game, and I won all three rounds
and almost made him tap. But the last fight he switched strategy,
did not accept my ground game, he always looking to stay on his
feet. I put him down two times, and he always return to his feet
again. This made me tired, and after that I lost focus and he
used a punch to put me down.”
Is
there anyone in particular Shaolin would like to face when he
again puts on the MMA gloves? “I’d really like to fight
against Caol Uno. I respect him a lot. He fought against my coach
one time, he’s a very nice guy. I think his game could be
a good fight against me because he likes jiu-jitsu, he likes
punches, he’s a very smart fighter. Maybe in the future
I fight against anyone, it doesn’t matter the name. I’d
really like to fight against him first, and then maybe some other
guy. There are a lot of good guys – [Eddie] Alvarez, Shinya
Aoki, Kawajiri again.”
The
clock ticks toward class time and Shaolin dons his gi. In the
window sits his Cage Rage World Champion belt. A wall is adorned
with photos. Mixed in with snapshots of his students is one of
his son, just shy of two-years-old and in a tiny gi himself like
some miniature jiu-jitsu practitioner ready to step on to the
mat. There are four fights left on Shaolin’s K-1 contract,
but you can bet when those are up his fax machine will be buzzing
with offers from US-based promotions. Until then, for Shaolin,
it’s all about New York and running his school. “I
really like to say thanks to all the guys who support me”
are his parting words. And with that, class begins.
Source: Full Contact Fighter
|
Chute
Boxe opens its doors
Rudimar speaks of his plans for the team in 2009
Carlos Osorio / PortaldasLutas.com
Coach to one of the biggest MMA teams in Brazil and the World,
Rudimar Fedrigo talks a bit about his plans for Chute Boxe in
2009. After rebuilding the team from Curitiba, which no longer
has some of its principle stars like Mauricio Shogun and Wanderlei
Silva, one of the goals is to launch new stars in the market.
Hence, the trainer is looking to invest in Brazilian domestic
MMA.
“I
have high hopes. This Wednesday we will have a meeting and announce
all the plans for 2009. We’re going to put a lot of the
younger guys to fight, until they have enough experience. I want
to take the opportunity to announce that on its website, which
has a lot of hits, the Chute Boxe academy is at the disposition
of all Brazilian events. We have fighters at every weight, who
are awaiting invitations from the different organizations. I
hereby put Chute Boxe at the disposition of all the domestic
events,” said Rudimar to Portal das Lutas, GRACIEMAG.com
partner website.
Fedrigo
holds the new generation on the team in high regards, as he is
confident in how they would do. “I can guarantee all the
knowledge and experience we have in terms of fighting. The impression
I am under is that we will have at least four big names, who
are already on their way, and have a great future. We have a
new generation that is all set to go and this year we will put
in extra effort to popularize these names,” he said.
Beyond
the new generation going into battle in rings and cages around
the country, Rudimar can count on athletes already to have come
into their own like Cris Cyborg, Evangelista Cyborg, Fabricio
Werdum and Luiz Azeredo. Other more seasoned fighters who may
be interested in representing the honor of the team are being
welcomed.
“I
would like to take the chance to say that Chute Boxe is a gym
with its doors open to complete fighters. There are a lot of
athletes who have a lot of desire, who would like to wear the
Chute Boxe jersey for it being a great school that is known internationally.
The academy opens its doors to these athletes too. We have first-rate
facilities and coaches available to all who wish to wear our
jersey,” he said in finishing.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Rich
Frankin not excited at idea of coaching 'TUF 9'
If former UFC middleweight champ Rich Franklin defeats former
PRIDE champ Dan Hendeson at UFC 93 on Saturday, Franklin will
return to coach on "The Ultimate Fighter" season nine.
But as season one coach Franklin told reporters last week, he's
not looking forward to it.
"I
was really excited to do the first season," Franklin said.
I'd never done anything like that before, and it was a cool experience
having never done it, but going back and doing it again? No,
I'm not excited about it."
Franklin
and Henderson flew on Monday to the to the Wolfslair Academy
in England for the elimination process. The winning fighter at
UFC 93 will spend the rest of the season at "The Ultimate
Fighter" gym in Las Vegas.
"It's
six weeks in Vegas," Franklin explained last Tuesday. "I've
been there for six weeks before and I'm constantly in Vegas and
I've gotten to the point I can care less for staying in Vegas
for that extended period of time. It's time away from my family
and it's time away from the things that I either like doing or
the things that I can do to make money, and the show doesn't
pay real well so it's all around not as appealing."
Going
with a USA vs. UK theme for season nine, the UK coach will be
Michael Bisping. And following tradition, the opposing coaches
will fight either at the finale or on a following pay-per-view.
Franklin
has always been one of the UFC's most loyal fighters and because
of that, don't expect Franklin to turn down the coaching offer.
"But
anything the UFC asks me to do I'm always on board for because
they've always been good to me," Franklin said.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Arlovski:
Emelianenko’s Buster Douglas?
by Danny Acosta
World-renowned boxing coach Freddie Roach believes Andrei Arlovski
won’t be afraid to face the most feared heavyweight on the
planet on Jan. 24 because anything that can happen to his Belarusian
charge has already been thrown his way in training.
Arlovski
(15-5), who’s trained with the pugilistic great for his
last five fights since 2006, meets Fedor Emelianenko (28-1, 1
NC) in the main event for Affliction “Day of Reckoning”
at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
"We're
having a great training camp,” Roach said in a teleconference
call on Wednesday. “Andrei's in good shape for the fight,
sparring with all my fighters. Andrei's looking for a big 'W'
on the 24th. We're not coming intimidated by Fedor.”
Intimidation
has been one of Emelianenko’s greatest weapons. The 31-year-old
world sambo champion has not lost an MMA bout since August 2004,
if you include his no contest outcome to former Pride and UFC
champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira after the pair accidentally
butted heads. Before that, the stoic Russian’s only other
blemish was to Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, from a cut Emelianenko sustained
in the bout’s first 17 seconds. The world has forgotten
what it looks like when Fedor Emelianenko loses, but Arlovski
and his camp want to help remind everyone.
Sparring
partners have been none other than UFC middleweight kingpin Anderson
Silva, as well as an unnamed Mexican fighter with a 90-5 record
ranked No. 2 in the amateur standings, according to Roach. Though
much attention has been brought to Arlovski’s workouts with
Roach, the fighter’s regimen has been all-inclusive, consisting
of two-a-days for three-hour periods. After four hours rest,
the former UFC champion leaves Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood,
Calif., for the wrestling mats to hone his wrestling, jiu-jitsu
and conditioning with NCAA Div. I coaches Sean Bormet and John
Kading, black belt Dino Costeas, and his Chicago boxing instructor
Michael Garcia.
"I'm
almost ten days from [the biggest] fight for my career and I'm
very excited,” Arlovski said. “I can't wait."
Roach
is impressed with his fighter’s progress. Selection of punches
and, most of all, footwork are marked improvements. Arlovski
put both on display in his Affliction debut last July, where
he stopped Ben Rothwell with a barrage of strikes in the third
round.
Arlovski,
29, sees his opponent’s mystique much like Mike Tyson’s
prior to him losing to James “Buster” Douglas. Arlovski
wants to be the one to dethrone Emelianenko.
"That's
why Andrei feels he has his chance right now and that he can
beat him,” said Affliction Vice-President Tom Atencio during
Wednesday’s call. “So it's not [Emelianenko’s]
intimidation factor as in coming out and intimidating somebody,
it’s the fact that his record and he's beaten a lot of people
out there."
The
Belarusian refused to look past Emelianenko and comment on whether
or not he would make the boxing ring his next fight venture.
Roach, however, offered his take on the situation.
"His
boxing isn't quite ready," said the hands-on trainer. “I
mean he can be a contender as a boxer I feel," pointing
to Arlovski’s ability to hang with other pros in sparring.
But like Arlovski, it’s obvious the mindset is one fight
at a time.
Roach
has seen so much videotape on Emelianenko he’s almost sick
of it.
"I've
watched what [Emelianenko] can do. He's a good puncher, I'm not
saying that he's not, he punches very well, but his boxing skills
-- his footwork is not that good,” said Roach. “I think
that's really going to be the advantage of the fight."
Arlovski
respects Emelianenko, but sees the fight as a simple equation.
"He
will step in the ring to beat me and I will step in the ring
to beat him or knock him out and take his belt."
Atencio
expects many in attendance when the two heavyweights clash. He
stated the Honda Center has just opened up more seats for purchase.
Arlovski, the No. 2 ranked heavyweight on Sherdog.com (only behind
Emelianenko) knows this will be a defining fight. It’s a
great opportunity, he says, and a big stride to be the best fighter
in the world.
"Like
I said, he's number one,” said Arlovski through his thick
accent. “He's number one until January 24.”
Source: Sherdog
|
COLEMAN
STILL HAS BAD BLOOD WITH SHOGUN
by Damon Martin
As UFC Hall of Famer Mark "The Hammer" Coleman readies
for his return to the Octagon, most fans are excited about a
rivalry that stretches back nearly three years when the Ohio
State alum faced off against Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
for the first time.
The
stage was set at the Saitama Super Arena for Pride 31 in which
Grand Prix wrecking machine Rua was set to debut in a heavyweight
fight after winning the organization's most exciting tournament
yet. But just 49 seconds into the fight, Coleman landed a takedown
that forced Rua to try and post to counter and his arm snapped,
causing a stop to the fight.
Mayhem
ensued shortly thereafter as Coleman went after Shogun until
the referee stopped the fight. Then the melee hit the ring as
Rua's Chute Boxe teammates came to his defense and Coleman's
Hammer House squad did exactly the same. Fighters like Wanderlei
Silva and Phil Baroni had to be dragged away from the chaos in
the ring.
Fast
forward to January 2009 when Coleman, now a light heavyweight,
returns to the Octagon for the first time in more than a decade
and a second shot against Rua to prove there was no fluke in
his initial win in Pride. Coleman admits that prior to their
fight, there was no bad blood at all between his team and Rua's
Chute Boxe.
"Before
the Shogun fight, we were actually pretty decent friends with
the Chute Boxe team. We had a good rapport going," Coleman
said in a recent interview with MMAWeekly Radio. "We had
seen each other so many times over the years, we had no problems."
It
was after the fight against Rua that the rivalry developed. The
two teams went after each other then and again had an altercation
in the backstage area as Coleman tried to apologize with the
Brazilian's having none of it. As Coleman says now, just days
before his rematch with Rua, there's bad blood between the two
fighters, but it starts with Shogun.
"There's
bad blood between me and Shogun for sure," Coleman stated.
"He's the one that's making this a personal fight. I don't
have nothing against him; it happened. I think he wanted me to
come out and say I got lucky against him, and I wasn't about
to do that. So he's the one that forced the bad blood. He's the
one that's taking it personal. So because he's taking it personal,
I've got to take it personal."
The
former Ohio State wrestler says that none of what happened in
their first fight was luck and he has no intention of making
such a statement to Shogun Rua or anybody else for that matter.
"That's
probably why he's upset with me. I had too many of his fans coming
up to me and tell me how lucky I was, this and that. I'm just
not going to stand around and take it," commented Coleman.
"Look
at the film. If he slaps an armbar on me and I spin the wrong
way, and get armbarred and break my arm, I'm not going to blame
it on luck," he said. "This situation's pretty much
the same thing. I hit a single leg, double leg, switch it off
to a double leg, and he posted his arm wrong. You don't post
your arm like that and I'm sure if he looked at the film, he'd
realize it, so it did bother me."
It
wasn't fate or luck that broke Rua's arm that night in Japan,
and Coleman is adamant about his win and the fortune that comes
and goes in the sport of MMA.
"You
create your own luck in this sport," he said. "I hit
the move on him, and he posted his arm wrong, and his arm broke.
It was unfortunate, and even if it was lucky, like I said, you
create your own luck here."
Despite
the obvious misgivings between Coleman and Rua going into the
fight, the former UFC and Pride champion stands by the fact that
this bout is still just a chance to return to his first promotion
and perform in a fight that people want to see.
"I
don't pick my opponents, so I'm just glad that they found a match-up
that the fans would want to see," Coleman said in closing.
"That's what's important."
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Alves
Eagerly Awaiting GSP vs. Penn 2
By Kelsey Mowatt
This
time last year, Thiago Alves was still basking in the after glow
of his November 17th, TKO stoppage of Chris Lytle at UFC 78.
The victory was not only important for the American Top Team
fighter’s career, due to Lytle’s reputation for being
one of the division’s most experienced and resilient fighters,
it was Alves’ 4th straight win. As the Brazilian fighter
entered 2008, Alves had shown signs that perhaps, bigger things
were yet to come. Over the last twelve months he has demonstrated
just that. After defeating 3 of the world’s top ten welterweight
fighters in Karo Parisyan, Matt Hughes, and Josh Koscheck, the
25 year-old is no longer just another up-and-coming fighter,
he is the division’s number one contender. Due to the fact
that he should fight for the title sometime in 2009, the upcoming
January 31st super fight between welterweight champion Georges
St. Pierre and lightweight champ BJ Penn, has taken on special
significance in the life of Alves. What remains to be seen, however,
is just who he will fight for the welterweight crown.
“Oh
man, I want St. Pierre to win because he’ll never go down
to 155,” Alves told FCF when asked for his thoughts on the
upcoming rematch between GSP and Penn. “I know that you
know? So if he wins I’m fighting against him. I’m fighting
against the winner between St. Pierre and Penn for sure. We talked
to Dana White about that. BJ Penn holds the 155 belt so he gets
to choose where he’s going to defend the belt first if he
wins. I don’t know if he’s going to do 170 or not so
I’m hoping for St. Pierre because then it’s a for sure
thing. If it’s Penn I don’t know as well when it will
be.”
In
either case, it could be several months until Alves fights again,
and due to the fact he has not competed since October, the ATT
fighter could go between six to eight months without competing.
Perhaps even longer if Penn were to win the 170lb. title and
decide not to defend it until later in 2009.
“Not
at all,” said Alves who is not concerned about the prospect
of not fighting until early summer. “Actually it’s
good because I dislocated my left thumb when I fought Josh Koscheck.
It was pretty bad. I haven’t been training, I’ve just
been running, I just got back to training a little while ago.
I’m feeling good, I’m feeling great, my hand is almost
100%, so by the time the fight comes I’ll be in the best
shape of my life. My jiu-jitsu is going to get better, my wrestling
will be better, even my stand-up is going to get better. I had
a lot of fights one after the other so I kind of need a little
break.”
The
only man to defeat Alves thus far in the UFC Octagon is Jon Fitch,
who stopped the Brazilian fighter in the second round in June,
2006. Since then, Alves has consistently publicly stated his
desire to have a rematch with the highly regarded, former collegiate
wrestler.
“Yes,
definitely,” said Alves when asked if he is still hoping
that he and Fitch will cross paths sometime in the future. “That
is a fight that I know is going to happen sooner or later.”
In
fact, according to Alves, the UFC approached American Top Team
for a fight between himself and Fitch’s training partner,
Mike Swick. The American Kickboxing Academy fighter has won three
straight since he made the drop down from the middleweight division,
and most recently, he stopped Jonathan Goulet in just 33 seconds
at the promotion’s “Fight for the Troops” card
in October.
“Dana
White asked me to fight Mike Swick on February 21st because they
needed a main event,” said Alves. “I couldn’t
due it because of my thumb. I wasn’t training or anything
like that. I told Joe Silva and Dana White that I’ve never
picked a fight before. I’m always up for fighting anybody
even with short notice. I don’t care. I love to fight and
it’s my job. Unfortunately this time I’m going to have
to pull out because of my injury, but let me fight for the title,
and after that I’ll fight anybody.”
Source: Full Contact Fighter
|
The
Top Ten UFC Submissions of 2008
by Robert Rousseau
Anytime you write a top 10 list it’s sure to elicit discussion.
After all, they’re inherently subjective. What’s great
to you may not even seem noticeable to someone else. Regardless,
when it comes to making the top 10 UFC submissions of 2008 list
here, the criteria are pretty simple.
First, there’s the quality of the submission. Was it unusual,
difficult to set up, or particularly devastating? Second, there’s
the status of the fight. For example, a championship fight or
one between contenders holds more water than one that didn’t
even make the televised card. Finally, there’s a reminder
that submissions which were really brought on by dizziness (in
other words strikes beforehand) weren’t as highly regarded
as those that were brought on by pure grappling.
With
that, let’s get to it.
10.
Rousimar Palhares wins by armbar over Ivan Salaverry at UFC 91
Pure
dominance over a guy that doesn’t usually get dominated.
Once Palhares took Salaverry’s back, everyone was expecting
the rear naked choke. But when he turned things over and transitioned
to the armbar. . .
Well,
let’s just say that it was so flawless it didn’t even
look impressive. That’s how good Palhares is on the ground.
9.
Dustin Hazelett wins by reverse armbar over Tamdan McCrory at
UFC 91
The
bottom line is this, if you hit the canvas for any length of
time with Dustin Hazelett, you’re in trouble. Such was the
case when Hazelett took home submission of the night with a very
slick reverse armbar over Tamdan McCrory.
The
words reverse armbar say it all. Hazelett transitions as well
as anyone in the UFC on the ground.
8.
Marcus Aurelio wins by armbar over Ryan Roberts at Fight Night
13
Aurelio
hurt Roberts with strikes right off the bat and followed him
to the ground. Then he rolled beautifully into an armbar.
All
told, the whole fight only took 16 seconds. Though the strikes
no doubt set it all up and the status of the bout wasn’t
all that great, the speed of this submission still made it worthy
of mention.
7.
Yoshiyuki Yoshida wins by Anaconda Choke over Jon Koppenhaver
(War Machine) at UFC 84
This
is how this fight went. The two hit the ground. Yoshida locked
in the Anaconda Choke. Koppenhaver, known for some heart, didn’t
tap.
Instead
he went to sleep.
The
dominance of this performance helped this submission to make
this list.
6.
Frank Mir wins by kneebar over Brock Lesnar at UFC 81
Brock
Lesnar came out in his UFC debut and easily took his opponent
down. Then he proceeded to pound away at him with hammerfists
and strikes—with those huge fists of his—from every
angle. Despite what was beginning to look like a pretty dominant
initial performance by Lesnar, Frank Mir never looked nervous.
After a couple of failed armbar attempts, he saw that Lesnar’s
leg was open.
Then
came the kneebar. Soon after, the first round tap.
This
was a nice submission that was huge for both Frank Mir’s
career and MMA in general. After all, if Lesnar had come right
in and defeated a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, the majority
of pro wrestling fans might’ve begun to think that the athletes
in MMA weren’t nearly as skilled as was being professed.
Of course, Lesnar’s collegiate wrestling background and
size/ athleticism are what have made him such a challenge in
this new athletic endeavor, not his professional wrestling experience.
But that would’ve been lost on many had he won.
But
Mir’s kneebar made sure that he didn’t.
5.
Amir Sadollah wins by armbar over C.B. Dollaway on the TUF 8
show
This
one won’t make many lists if any because it supposedly didn’t
count. Along with this, the armbar we’re talking about here
didn’t happen at the TUF 7 Finale. Rather, it occurred on
episode 12 of the actual show. Though it’s difficult to
ascertain exactly what the date was of the submission because
of this, it was certainly shown on television in 2008.
Sadollah
had been through a war with what would’ve been a heavily
favored opponent in Dollaway. He’d done well with some striking,
but was continually being put on his back by the better wrestler.
It was beginning to look as if he’d lose a decision. But
Sadollah never quit, and because of this managed to sink in the
armbar in the third round. His out of control reaction after
the fight said it all.
With
an armbar, Sadollah had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat
in one of the better TUF fights ever.
4.
Demian Maia wins by triangle choke over Ed Herman at UFC 83
Make
no mistake, Ed Herman has some solid submission skills and wrestling
himself. However, when he hit the ground with Maia in the second
round, a world champion caliber Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner,
things didn’t work out so well for him.
Namely,
Maia sunk in the triangle choke on him and ended up pounding
away from the top. A scary position for sure. Props have to be
given to Herman for not submitting. Still, he did pass out.
This
one truly announced Maia as a force to be reckoned with in MMA.
3.
C.B. Dollaway wins by Peruvian Necktie over Jesse Taylor at Fight
Night 14
Taylor
had ruined his chance at fighting in the TUF 7 final when he
decided to beat up cars in his free time. However, no one could
deny his strong wrestling skills and athleticism coming into
this second chance UFC fight against Dollaway. On the flip side,
Dollaway had lost twice to Amir Sadollah (on the show and at
the TUF 7 Finale) so he had something to prove.
The
bottom line is that when Dollaway finished off his opponent via
a Peruvian Necktie many didn’t even know what the submission
was. Now that’s originality.
2.
Nate Diaz wins by triangle choke over Kurt Pellegrino at Fight
Night 13
Pellegrino
was having his way in this one, controlling Diaz from a wrestling
standpoint and pounding away at him at every juncture. But there
are two things that both Diaz brothers have—heart and submission
skills.
Diaz
weathered the storm until the second round when he transitioned
to a lightning fast triangle choke after being slammed to the
canvas by his opponent. Then he showboated with a two fingered
salute before Pellegrino was forced to tap.
A
great turnaround in this one. Further, Diaz’s ability to
utilize his legs for the submission without pulling on the neck
was impressive.
After
all, his hands were busy, remember.
1.
Dustin Hazelett wins by armbar over Josh Burkman at the TUF 7
Finale
First,
this was an excellent back and forth fight that saw Burkman slam
and control his opponent with strong wrestling, and Hazelett
display some excellent technical ground and stand up skills.
But when Hazelett transitioned from a whizzer to an armbar. .
. Well, if you had a rewind button that’s exactly what you
used.
This
fight didn’t even make the televised show, which was unfortunate.
Still, it was awesome enough to overcome that and become the
top UFC submission of 2008.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
UFC
legend in JJ European Championship
Remco Pardoel among those signed up
This
one is for lovers of the early days of the UFC. Royce Gracie’s
opponent at the unforgettable UFC 2 event, held on March 11th
of 1994, Dutchman Remco Pardoel will be one of the attractions
at the 2009 European Jiu-Jitsu Championship, to take place January
30th and February 1st, in the Casal Vistoso complex, in Lisbon,
Portugal.
The
UFC veteran, who holds an MMA record of 9 wins, six losses (one
of which was to Marco Ruas at UFC 7, in 1995) and one draw, is
signed up to compete for the ultra heavyweight and absolute gold
among the black belts of the Senior 1 category.
Another
well-known figure from the world of MMA to make an appearance
at the Euro is Japanese Daisuke Sugie, a fighter who has been
through such respected events as Shooto and Pride, both in Japan.
Among
the Brazilians confirmed for the competition, Eduardo Telles,
the leader of Nine Nine team, and Carlos Eduardo “Portugues”
Viera, of Companhia Paulista, stand out.
It’s
worth noting that anyone to sign up by Saturday, the 17th, will
enjoy the discount rate of US$ 108. Starting January 18, the
rate will be US$ 125 and remain so till the January 23 deadline.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
The
Year in European MMA
by Tim Leidecker
The last year in European mixed martial arts mirrored the rest
of the sport’s world. Longtime former champions and star
fighters like Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic and Karo Parisyan
had to say goodbye to the top of the mountain, while exciting
young talents like Gegard Mousasi and Goran Reljic lay claim
to be the sports’ future.
The
UFC continued to draw big crowds wherever they went in England,
while most other UK and continental promoters are more than happy
if they manage to attract more than 2,000 paid customers to their
shows. This shows a clear trend: While “Ultimate Fighting”
is starting to gain mainstream acceptance, mixed martial arts
still has a long way to go before it will be fully embraced as
a sport.
In
our special edition of European Throwdown, we bring you an exclusive
look back at the 2008's major events and take you for a unique
ride from Iberia to Siberia.
January-March
The
Dutch got off to the strongest start in 2008 as Semmy Schilt
and half a dozen of his countrymen fought at a big event called
Lord of the Ring at 23,000-seat Belgrade Arena in the Serbian
capital. Planned as a series of events, unfortunately LOTR was
a flash in the pan just like Schilt’s full-time comeback
to MMA.
The
Dutch event, Beast of the East, flew unjustifiably under the
radar. The promotion from Zutphen, a 47,000-inhabitant municipality
in Eastern Holland, is already set to put on the first quality
show of the new year. In 2008 they did the same, featuring top
European fighters like Robert Jocz and Gregor Tredowski as well
as exciting your talents like Stefan Struve, who is UFC-bound
this February.
However,
the story of early 2008 was the legalization of MMA in France.
The country of cheese, wine and Jerome Le Banner had suffered
for years from governmental restrictions, but thanks to an initiative
by many top fighters, the ban was lifted in late January to allow
Pancrase-style events (no punches to the head on the ground).
While the legalization had not resulted in a big event straightaway,
it was a huge step for one of Europe’s premier fighting
nations and a sign of things to come.
Early
March saw the first installment of a new series of events called
the M-1 Challenge, headed up by Vadim Finkelstein, longtime manager
to Fedor Emelianenko. After an initial deal with Monte Cox and
Sibling Sports LLC. led to nothing but disagreement, M-1 teamed
up with smaller shows and promoters across Europe to stage events
in Holland, Russia, Spain, England and Finland. The events produced
solid action and were broadcasted in numerous countries, but
still have room for improvement. M-1 Challenge’s second
season debuts in February in Seattle.
April-May
As
days became longer and warmer, Scandinavia started to defrost
as well. With The Zone FC and Superior Challenge, Sweden finally
produced two top-class events again. After the temporary ban
of MMA in 2007 and the ensuing shutdown of its flagship show
European Vale Tudo, the Northerners can once again pride themselves
as integral players in Euro MMA.
At
the same time in the United States, Belarusian Vladimir Matyushenko
made the final defense of his IFL light heavyweight title before
the promotion folded in April. In East Rutherford, New Jersey,
Matyushenko took on former high school All-American wrestler
Jamal Patterson in a battle of ground fighting specialists. “The
Janitor” stopped “The Suit” with punches late
in the second round.
In
May, two fierce rivals of the European welterweight circuit punched
their tickets to the UFC. English kickboxer Dan "The Outlaw"
Hardy elbowed former German wunderkind Daniel Weichel all the
way to a technical knockout, while French firefighter David Baron
guillotine-choked former Shooto champ Hayato “Mach”
Sakurai in Japan. Both fighters eventually made their UFC debuts
at UFC 89 in Birmingham, England, that October.
The
following weekend, the star of one Polish fighter began to rise,
while another shone for a final time. At KSW 9, muay Thai stylist
Jan Blachowicz came out of nowhere to win the promotions’
prestigious 95kg (209 pounds) tournament. Meanwhile Euro MMA
legend Grzegorz Jakubowski retired from the sport following a
decision loss to UFC veteran Jordan Radev.
June-September
Arguably,
the best non-UFC show in the UK took place in Nottingham, England
and was put together by Cage Warriors, the country’s oldest
active promotion. “Enter the Rough House 7” featured
a glut of top UK and European fighters, including Paul McVeigh,
Abdul Mohamed, Jim Wallhead, Simeon Thoresen and superstar Paul
"Semtex" Daley in his lone domestic fight of the year.
Further
west some 5,300 miles, the duo of Andrei Arlovski and Fedor Emelianenko
impressed with their destructions of former UFC titleholder Tim
Sylvia and IFL standout Ben Rothwell at Affliction “Banned”
in July. Emelianenko’s 36 second drubbing of the “Maine-iac”
silenced all of the “Last Emperor’s” critics.
The
Cinderella story of the year was provided by Norway’s Joachim
Hansen. The former Shooto welterweight champion had been in a
slump following the dissolution of Pride Bushido, but staged
a spectacular comeback as he won the inaugural Dream lightweight
grand prix as an alternate. His technical knockout over Shinya
Aoki in the final was particularly sweet revenge for “Hellboy.”
At
the end of the summer, one of the greatest tragedies of the year
happened. Russian Top Team manager Vladimir Pogodin was one of
88 people killed in a plane crash in Perm at the foot of the
Ural Mountains. Pogodin is credited with having discovered the
Emelianenko brothers and Sergei Kharitonov among others. He was
57 years old.
October-December
Two
months after Hansen’s triumph, another European fighter
took home the second Dream Grand Prix as well. Needing just 223
seconds combined, Armenia’s “Young Vagabond” Gegard
Mousasi made short work of knockout machine Melvin Manhoef and
8-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Ronaldo Jacaré
Souza to become the promotion’s first ever middleweight
champion.
At
what was eventually the final stand for EliteXC, Russian muay
Thai specialist Alexander Shlemenko and Chechen grappler Mamed
Khalidov used the opportunity to make a good impression on American
fight fans. Shlemenko knocked out his opponent Robert McDaniel
with a flying knee to the body, while the “Cannibal”
consumed TUF castoff Jason Guida with a series of punches.
If
his impressive UFC debut against Wilson Gouveia in May wasn’t
enough to win over the fans, Croatian model athlete Goran Reljic
delivered a superhuman performance outside the cage as well:
The 24-year-old submission specialist saved two men from drowning
-- who had crashed their car into the Adriatic Sea -- by breaking
the windshield and pulling the men ashore.
The
final important chapter for European MMA in 2008 was written
by the UFC and their big event in Birmingham, England, which
featured a France vs. Sweden miniseries. The Swedes came away
on top as Per Eklund submitted Samy Schiavo and David Bielkheden
outgrappled and outstruck Jess Liaudin en route to a unanimous
decision victory.
It
will be interesting to see what 2009 has in store for European
MMA. One thing’s for sure though: With Fedor Emelianenko
and Andrei Arlovski facing off against each other in January,
the UFC going to mainland Europe for the first time ever with
UFC 99 in Germany, and ambitious plans from England’s Cage
Gladiators, Poland’s KSW and Slovenia’s WFC, it promises
to be bigger and better than ever.
Source: Sherdog
|
Quote
of the Day
"They
always say time changes things, but you actually have to change
them yourself."
Andy Warhol
|
UFC
93: Franklin vs. Henderson
By Jeff "Wombat" Meszaros
Normally
there's some kind of connection between what the UFC is doing
and where they're having their event, but I'll be damned if I
can figure out what it is this time. They're flying the octagon
to Ireland, but none of the fighters on the main card are Irish
and it isn't St. Patrick's Day. It's almost like the staff at
Zuffa got together and decided to fulfill a few contractual obligations
and kill a few birds with one stone by lunch-boxing together
some left-overs; like Dana White said "Shogun needs a come
back fight? Ok. Call up Coleman. Kang needs a debut? Fine. We'll
do that the same night. Franklin and Henderson need to stay busy?
Screw it. Let them fight each other. While we're at it, let’s
get Horn to fight that Brazilian who looks like Puck from Alpha
Flight. There ... oh, and call Marcus Davis and tell him to wash
his kilt."
Rich
Franklin vs. Dan Henderson
A
lot of people have thought for a long time that Henderson would
beat the absolute living cat crap out of Franklin. Many other
people have thought precisely the opposite, thinking that Franklin
would knock out whatever few teeth remain in Henderson's war-ravaged
skull and leave him laying on the octagon floor, as peaceful
as a sleeping baby; except in a giant pool of blood. What do
I think? I'm not sure. Anderson Silva landed a veritable festival
of knees on Franklin's face from the clinch, but that doesn't
mean much because Henderson's clinch is a totally different game
and let's not forget, Silva did the same thing to him. Now they're
fleeing halfway around the world to duke it out as far from Brazil
as possible; likely so Silva won't see the fight and challenge
the winner to another friendly beating full of smiles. The fight
is at 205 of course, so that gives them a measure of protection
from the bony points of Silva's skeleton. Of course, "The
Spider" has made the trip to 205-pounds before and, considering
that Georges St. Pierre is about to fight B.J. Penn for the welterweight
title, weight categories have clearly stopped being relevant
anyway. My guess: Franklin by decision.
Marc
Coleman vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
The
first time these two fought, Rua broke his arm completely by
accident. Coleman shot a low double-leg and Shogun fell down;
somehow breaking his arm in the process. Maybe he wasn't drinking
enough milk; possibly due to lactose intolerance; a condition
I suffer from myself. Afterwards, nine kinds of hell broke loose
in the ring and from what I've heard, Coleman stepped on Wanderlei
Silva's face then, on his way backstage, insisted he be taken
a different route back to his change room to avoid being stabbed
to death by a gang of infuriated Brazilians. Now, years later,
Coleman is bald and Rua is coming off a terrible loss to Forrest
Griffin which, in my opinion, should've been his last fight ever
at 205. That being said, Coleman is only days away from his senior
citizen's pension plan and by taking this fight is joining "Tank"
Abbott and Ken Shamrock in the "we should not be fighting"
club. My Guess: Rua by TKO
Alan
Belcher vs. Denis Kang
Normally,
whenever the UFC gets a hold of someone good, they give them
a few "warm up" fights to show off their skills against
less-than-awesome opponents, who they wheel into the octagon
clad in an invisible burial shroud. A prime example of this was
Mirko "Cro Cop" Filopovic's octagon debut against Eddie
Sanchez, who I insist looks exactly like Homer Simpson. With
respect to Mr. Sanchez, "Cro Cop" went through him
like a fat kid through a box of donuts. Accordingly, I am shocked
that the UFC is starting Kang off with a fight against Belcher;
who is actually a pretty decent opponent; despite having a silly
last name. Still, in addition to being half French, half Korean
and still Canadian, Kang is a beast with six knuckles on each
hand. My Guess: Kang by TKO
Jeremy
Horn vs. Rousimar Palhares
In
case you missed that joke I made about Palhares in the opening
paragraph, Alpha Flight was (is?) a comic book about a group
of Canadian super-heroes, one of which is a midget who can cartwheel
so fast, he looks like a hockey puck; hence the name "Puck";
not to be confused with "Puck" the fairy from Shakespeare's
"A Midsummer Night's Dream", which is reading material
for sissies. Now that we've sorted that out, let's have a look
at the fight. Palhares will want to take Horn down. Horn knows
this and, being a master of patience, will avoid Palhares takedown
at all costs; even if it means spending the whole fight backing
up, throwing jabs to keep him at bay; a tactic known as "The
Sylvia" in MMA schools around the world. My Guess: Horn
by decision
Marcus
Davis vs. Chris Lytle
Both
these guys are former professional boxers. Does that mean they're
going to box? Not necessarily. After all, whenever two world
champion jiu-jitsu fighters get in the cage, they invariably
kickbox each other, and the few times I've seen two wresters
go at it, the result is usually a BJJ match. So, what happens
here? As much as I'd like to see a brawl, I suspect it will be
a wrestling match. My Guess: Davis by decision.
Martin
Kampmann vs. Alexandre Barros
You
can't have a UFC in Ireland without having a Dutchman fight a
Brazilian, right? In case you're looking for the "inside
joke" there, I'll just go ahead and say there isn't one,
because this match makes no f'ing sense at all. Still, Barros
looks like someone crossed a gorilla with a great white shark.
My Guess: Barros by submission.
Eric
Schafer vs. Antonio Mendes
I
may be wrong about this, because I was drunk as hell when I saw
the fight, but I'm pretty sure Mendes was kicking the crap out
of Thiago Silva during their match in May of last year, but then
Silva floored him with a massive over-hand axe chop. Now they're
bringing the European Brazilian back to fight Schafer; who I
once fought in a BJJ tournament when we were both blue belts;
losing in overtime when I picked him up and was afraid to slam
him because my neck got caught sideways in a half-ass guillotine
and I didn't want to risk paralyzing myself to win. Getting back
to the fight, this is a straight-up grappler vs. striker match
and, despite my bitterness about losing to him, I choose the
grappler. My Guess: Schafer by submission.
Tomasz
Drwal vs. Ivan Serati
It's
never a good sign for a fighter when the UFC is less than a week
away and the UFC website still doesn't feature their picture
and, instead, has that foreboding black head-shadow which, I
suspect, is actually a silhouette of Dana White. Also, I wonder
if Drwal has any idea that he's only one vowel away from having
"Drywall" as a last name? My Guess: Drwal by decision.
Tom
Egan vs. John Hathaway
As
far as I know, Egan is the only Irish fighter on the card. Hathaway
is English, which means that this fight, despite being buried
on the undercard, is likely to cause a riot in the arena; regardless
of who wins. We'll know something has gone horribly wrong if
Bruce Buffer walks into the octagon at the start of the pay-per-view
and the place is already on fire. My Guess: Hathaway by TKO
Denis
Siver vs. Nate Mohr
Mohr
has lost twice by footlock in the UFC; once to Kurt Pelligrino
and once to Manny Gamburyan. Siver's last match was a brutal
KO loss to Melvin Guillard, so both of these guys are tired of
being highlight reel material for someone else. Who wins this
time? The gods of karma owe a bigger debt to the American. My
Guess: Mohr by decision.
Jeff
Meszaros welcomes reader feedback at wombat@fcfighter.com and
can be heard as the host of FCF Radio.
Source: Full Contact Fighter
|
MARK
DION
Noons Focuses on Boxing, MMA Can Wait
By Steven Marrocco
Before
a contract dispute put him at odds with Elite XC, KJ Noons was
riding high in the world of MMA. He had defended his lightweight
title against Yves Edwards last June, and was expecting to face
top-ranked Eddie Alvarez, who had recently signed with the promotion.
But matchmakers from Elite thought a rematch with bad boy Nick
Diaz—who lost their 2007 meeting via cut—would be better
for business, and insisted Noons take the fight. Noons declined,
and a war of words broke out between the promotion and the fighter’s
camp.
In
September, Elite very publicly stripped him of his title, and
one month later, it was out of business. Speaking with FCF last
week, Noons’ manager, Mark Dion, said his fighter has since
taken a step back from MMA to focus on a career in the ring.
Noons is 8-1 as a professional boxer.
In
November, Noons defeated Alejandro Bogarin at a boxing event
in El Monte, Calif., and will likely fight again in February
or March.
“It’s
definitely of high interest,” Dion said of Noon’s ring
career. “But he’s still interested in MMA.”
The
owner of San Diego’s City Boxing gym said Noons is still
a free agent and can fight whenever and whomever he wants. Several
MMA promotions have approached, though Dion wouldn’t name
names.
“It
just has to make sense,” he said. “If the right fights
come along, I’m sure he’ll be interested, but we’ll
wait until that time comes.”
Dion
lamented that the MMA landscape has drastically changed since
last year. With far fewer active promotions, it’s been harder
to get the deal that makes sense.
“It
almost seems like there’s not really anybody doing much
with MMA right now, except the UFC,” Dion said. “People
over in Japan are fighting, and I heard are not even getting
paid for their fights. It seems like the stock market when the
bubble burst.”
Dion’s
relationship with industry leader UFC soured following a contractual
dispute with his former client, Brandon Vera, and, according
to one source, has filed a personal lawsuit against President
Dana White. Still, a trip to the Octagon is not out of the question
for Noons.
“You
can’t ever rule out anything,” he said. “Could
you rule out Randy fighting in the UFC again? It’s business.
But it’s probably not going to happen next week, I can tell
you that much.”
While
most fighters under the Elite XC banner continue to be held up
by the company’s collapse, Dion maintains that Noons can
freely negotiate with any promotion. In addition, Noons’
boxing skillset makes him more employable, which puts less pressure
on him to find MMA work.
“Not
any of them have any options like KJ,” Dion said. “First
of all, none of them can box. So that option’s out the window.
MMA to this day doesn’t even come close to money that can
be made in boxing, and if you’ve got the skills, it’s
stupid not to take advantage of it and apply it.”
Asked
for the likelihood of a Noons return in 2009, the manager wouldn’t
commit, saying it would depend on the opportunities presented.
So, for now, it appears Noons will be applying his skills in
“the sweet science.”
Source: Full Contact Fighter
|
UFC
February 7th (Sun Dome) card line-up
By Zach Arnold
As
it currently stands:
Undercard
Welterweights:
Luigi Fioravanti vs. Anthony Johnson
Lightweights: Gleison Tibau vs. Rich Clementi
Welterweights: George Sotiropoulos vs. Matt Grice
Middleweights: Alessio Sakara vs. Jake Rosholt
Lightweights: Kurt Pellegrino vs. Rob Emerson
Main card
Middleweights:
Amir Sadollah vs. Nick Catone
Lightweights: Mac Danzig vs. Josh Neer
Heavyweights: Cain Velasquez vs. Denis Stojnic
Lightweights: Joe Lauzon vs. Hermes Franca
Source: Fight Opinion
|
Griffin
to miss whole of 2009
By MARK GILBERT
FORREST GRIFFIN could be sidelined for the rest of the year after
sources revealed his hand injury is worse than first feared.
The former light heavyweight champion broke his fist during his
unsuccessful title defence against Rashad Evans last month and
has since had pins inserted into his hand to help the healing
process.
Griffin
was originally set to be out of action until May but industry
insiders told SunSport he will not be back inside the Octagon
until Autumn at the earliest.
The
29-year-old Las Vegas native shot to fame by winning season one
of the Ultimate Fighter reality TV show and is a huge favourite
among UFC fans.
His
injury will come as a blow to UFC supremo Dana White, who had
planned to pit Griffin against Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson in the
summer.
Source: The Sun
|
Top
10 MMA Upsets of 2008
by Robert Rousseau
We all love a great upset. After all, rooting for the underdog,
the guy that probably has no chance to win, is as American as
it gets. Now when it comes to MMA upsets, 2007 was a banner year.
On the other hand, 2008 was a lot milder.
Still, there were some pearls in there if you look. And look
is what we did here at MMAFighting.com.
Here
are the top 10 MMA upsets of 2008.
10.
Forrest Griffin defeats Quinton “Rampage” Jackson by
decision at UFC 86
By
now everyone knew that Griffin was capable of a big upset. Still,
there were very few people picking him to defeat Rampage at UFC
86.
Which,
it seems, is when Griffin fights best. He hurt Rampage early
with low kicks and peppered him with sharp punches throughout
the fight. Though some, Rampage included, believed that Griffin
didn’t deserve the win he received on the judge’s scorecards,
that didn’t matter.
Forrest
Griffin was the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
9.
Jorge Rivera KO’s Kendall Grove at UFC 80
The
bottom line is that Jorge Rivera had lost some of his luster
coming into his fight against former TUF Champion, Kendall Grove.
On the flip side, Grove had won four of his last five to say
nothing about the guys on the reality show he beat up. Even with
his recent loss to Patrick Cote, you had to think that Grove
would get right back to his winning ways, right?
Wrong.
Rivera
took Grove down, punished him there, and then hurt his adversary
even worse when he came to his feet. It was all done by the 1:23
mark.
8.
Josh Thomson defeats Gilbert Melendez by decision at Strikeforce:
Melendez vs. Thomson
Everyone
knew that Josh Thomson was a good fighter coming into his bout
against then Strikeforce Lightweight Champion, Gilbert Melendez.
Still, there were very few that were picking him to win the bout,
much less do it in dominant fashion. But utilizing some amazing
front kicks, hard punches, and excellent takedown defense, Thomson
dominated from beginning to end in one of the year’s biggest
upsets.
7.
Thiago Alves TKO’s Matt Hughes at UFC 85
Matt
Hughes is widely considered to be one of the greatest UFC champions
of all-time. So coming off of his second loss to Georges St.
Pierre one had to believe that he would be ready to right the
wrongs.
Problem
was, Thiago Alves just didn’t allow that to happen. In a
fight where he looked much larger than his opponent (Alves actually
didn’t make weight and looked as if he hadn’t) he punished
Hughes with fast hitting stand up and ground and pound before
finishing things off with a flying knee.
This
was the victory that truly put Alves on the map.
6.
Seth Petruzelli TKO’s Kimbo Slice at EliteXC: Heat
Kimbo
Slice wasn’t even supposed to be fighting Petruzelli on
that Florida night. But when an injury close to fight time made
it impossible for Ken Shamrock to compete, in came Seth Petruzelli
to take on Kimbo Slice with zero notice. Then came a right hand.
And
finally, EliteXC came crashing down with their biggest star after
only 14 seconds. Were hardcore MMA fans completely shocked? Maybe
not. But the world and EliteXC was, and that’s all that
matters here.
5.
Rashad Evans KO’s Chuck Liddell at UFC 88
Most
people thought that Liddell was about to get right back on that
championship track. After all, Evans was a former Michigan State
wrestler that would assuredly try and take him down, right? Unfortunately
for him, we all knew how trying to take “The Iceman”
down usually went.
Failed
takedown, failed takedown, knockout punch from Liddell.
So
the fact that this was an upset was one thing. But the way that
Evans won—by knocking out a man known for knocking other
people out—made it special.
4.
Junior dos Santos KO’s Fabricio Werdum at UFC 90
Admit
it, you had no idea who Junior dos Santos was until UFC 90. Further,
you didn’t think there was any chance of him catching Werdum,
a man that had improved his striking immensely, coming in.
But
in only 81 seconds Werdum was out cold on the canvas and everyone
began asking, “who was that guy?”
3.
Frank Mir TKO’s Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at UFC 92
Coming
into this fight, Nogueira had never been stopped. That was about
to change.
The
bottom line is that Mir winning by itself wasn’t the huge
upset part. But the way he dominated Nogueira with his stand
up, something he really wasn’t known for at all, made this
a highly unusual upset. Couple that with the fact that Mir was
able to do something that even Fedor couldn’t—stop
Nogueira—and you have one of the biggest upsets of 2008.
2.
Sergey Golyaev defeats Takanori Gomi by way of decision at Sengoku-
Sixth Battle
At
the time, Golyaev was only an 11-5 fighter that had pretty much
lost to the majority of elite fighters he’d faced (Rich
Clementi, Joachim Hansen, and Kurt Pellegrino). So it wasn’t
all that shocking that some sports books had Gomi more than a
+700 favorite.
But
that’s why they have the fights.
Some
thought Gomi had done enough to win this fight, but in the end
the only people that mattered said he lost by way of split decision.
This one was a huge upset that would’ve been number one
had it not been a controversial decision.
1.
Mike Brown TKO’s Urijah Faber at WEC 36
Coming
into his fight against Mike Brown, then WEC Featherweight Champion
Urijah Faber held a 21-1 record and was looking rather unbeatable.
No one really gave Mike Brown a chance to defeat him. In fact,
it was beginning to look as if Faber might have to move up in
weight to find a valid challenge.
Nope.
One
right hand dropped Faber to the canvas and soon after it was
all over. Mike Brown was the new champion in a huge upset.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
End
of an Era: Fighter-Manager Handshake Deals Die as MMA Grows
by Mike Harris
Widely regarded as the dean of MMA managers, Monte Cox has always
relied on handshake deals with his fighters.
That
just might change in the near future.
As
MMA continues to grow, so does the money in the sport, attracting
a new breed of fighter representatives -- agents, as opposed
to managers -- from outside the game. These agents attempt to
jump on the MMA gravy train, Cox and others contend, by poaching
fighters from their existing managers with inflated promises
of bigger paydays.
Cox,
a 13-year MMA veteran who boasts the biggest stable of name fighters
in the game, of late has lost a couple of those handshake clients
to other managers or agents.
And
thus, he said he is seriously considering switching to written
contracts.
“It’s
becoming more of a business than a sport,” said the Bettendorf,
Iowa-based Cox, whose 60 some fighters include Matt Hughes, Tim
Sylvia, Rich Franklin, Jens Pulver and Robbie Lawler.
“I’m
an odd character in that I don’t do contracts,” he
said. “For 13 years, I’ve gone on a handshake. But
now, it’s become a little different in that you take somebody
that you’ve developed and you’ve built and they’re
making a lot of money and then they jump to somebody else. And
it leaves you holding the bag.
“So
now I’m definitely thinking about going with written contracts,”
said Cox, who is also a veteran promoter with Extreme Challenge,
which he owns, and other promotions.
While
Cox does not believe that the few fighters he lost, most notably
Roger Huerta, were actually poached, he said he hears poaching
horror stories from smaller managers all the time.
“All
the smaller guys tell me how bad it is,” he said.
Chad
Bergmeier, based in Waterloo, Iowa, is one of them. Like Cox,
he too has lost some fighters, including Kevin Burns, with whom
he had handshake deals. Bergmeier said he also is going to start
instituting written contracts with his fighters.
“It’s
so strange,” said Bergmeier, who manages about 30 fighters
-- including Rob Kimmons, Ryan Thomas and Travis Fulton -- though
none with quite the star power of Cox’s A-listers. “I’ve
been involved in this sport for about 11 years now and it definitely
has changed a lot, gotten bigger. And naturally, as that happens,
you do have more of the poacher-type people showing up.”
Another
smaller fighter rep is Mike Camp of F1 Management in Akron, Ohio,
whose biggest name client is Dave Herman.
“I’d
like to do all my business with a handshake,” Camp said.
“But in this climate, you just can’t do that. The sport
has changed where you gotta be more guarded with your clients.
“Now
you have guys out there who I call ambulance chasers. They don’t
know what it’s like to drive a guy 10-12 hours to fight
for $300, $400 bucks. There’s something to be said for paying
your dues.”
None
of the people interviewed for this article were willing to identify
any of the purported poachers by name on the record.
“Years
ago, it was a bunch of managers,” said Cox. “Now it’s
a bunch of agents. I just think that as our sport grows and as
the money becomes better, you’re gonna get more of the bad
element in it.
“And
you got to watch your back,” he added. “When I first
got into mixed martial arts, it was really refreshing that this
was such a new sport. There wasn’t a lot of money so everyone
was really into it for the sport. But these agents simply see
a commodity that they can make money off of. For them, it’s
strictly business.”
Former fighter Jeff Clark, who along with another former fighter,
Matt Stansell, runs NCFC Fight Management in Carlsbad, Calif.,
said many of the new MMA agents are “rejects” from
other sports.
“They
were a baseball agent or they were something else and they didn’t
make it at that so they’re trying to jump on something they
can make it at,” said Clark, who manages such fighters as
Brandon Vera, Diego Sanchez and Cox’s former client, Huerta.
“And then some of them are just attorneys that see an opportunity.”
Unlike
Cox and Bergmeier, Clark and Stansell always put their fighters
under written contracts. So does relative MMA newcomer Ken Pavia,
who owns MMA Agents in Huntington Beach, Calif., which represents
about 50 fighters, including Phil Baroni, Chris Lytle, Jay Hieron
and Joe Riggs.
“I
would never do anything on a handshake,” said Pavia, who
has verbally sparred with rival Cox on MMA sites. “I’m
a law school graduate and I know that you violate a number of
provisions by not having it in writing. But second of all, all
relationships start good. It’s when the relationship starts
to sour that you need a defining document.”
The
difference between a manager and an agent, Cox said, is that
a manager develops young fighters’ careers by placing them
with good trainers, carefully selecting their opponents and building
them up in smaller promotions. The end goal of the manager, Cox
said, is to prepare fighters for the bigger promotions, of which
the UFC is the biggest.
Pavia,
who makes no pretense that he is a manager, said his job as an
agent is to “find opportunities and present them and then
the fighters make the ultimate determination. I don’t manage
them day to day or prepare them for their fights.”
Cox
and Clark believe that many of the new agents do not understand
the MMA business and, as a result, make financial promises to
fighters they can’t fulfill.
“They
just go and promise the fighters this, that and everything,”
Clark said. “And the fighters unfortunately don’t know
that and they just hear numbers and go after the numbers.”
Cox
put it more bluntly: “A lot of times, they’re promising
them bull----,” he said. “And it amazes me that you
could come in and not know anything about the sport and think
you can do it.”
Cox
related one such episode. He said about two months ago, Lawler
told him another agent was promising him $200,000 for a fight
with a big-name promotion.
“And
I said, ‘Bull----, it’s not true.’ And I called
up the guy running the show and the guy laughed and said ‘that
is bull----.’ Well, I ended up keeping Robbie only because
he had come to my house and said, ‘Dude, I got to talk to
you face to face about this.’ Most other fighters would
have said, ‘Fine, where do I sign?’”
Cox
declined to identify either the agent or the promotion.
But
he noted that the big numbers being tossed around by the new
breed of agents is creating a climate in which some fighters,
unlike Lawler, are showing disloyalty to the managers who built
them up.
Bergmeier
alleged that Kevin Burns, whom he used to represent, is one such
fighter.
“I
got that guy the fights that he needed to get to get into the
UFC,” Bergmeier said. “I sold the idea to (UFC matchmaker)
Joe Silva about him fighting Roan Carneiro back in June”
at UFC 85. “I got him into the UFC and then all of a sudden,
he wants to bail on me right after he beats Roan, right before
the Anthony Johnson fight” last July at UFC Fight Night
14.
But
Burns said he left Bergmeier in large part because the manager
did not secure him endorsement deals.
“I
was soliciting endorsements, which is something my agent should
be doing, but he wasn't,” Burns said. “You know how
embarrassing it is when it's your first fight in the UFC”
and a fighter has no endorsements?
Burns
is now with Florida-based agent Dean Albrecht, co-founder of
the MMAdhouse Agency, which represents such other fighters as
Quinton Jackson and Michael Bisping. Burns said he pursued Albrecht
after leaving Bergmeier.
Clark,
meanwhile, said Huerta approached his agency -- not the other
way around -- in large part because unlike Cox, a major component
of what he and Stansell offer fighters is getting them sponsorship
deals.
Clark
said before his agency would even talk to Huerta, they told him,
“‘You have to clear it with Monte.’ We try not
to step on toes.”
Pavia,
meanwhile, never lacking in self-confidence, has ruffled some
of the old guard’s feathers with statements such as, “I’m
the best agent. And I’m actually the second best also. Everybody
else competes for third.” Brashness aside, Pavia said he
does not engage in poaching.
“For
the record, I never poached a client from anybody,” said
Pavia. “Now, do they come to me? Yeah, they do. I have at
least one or two former Monte clients” including Hieron,
“and he has some of my former clients. So, you know, it
happens. Welcome to the representation business.”
Source: Sherdog
|
Affliction
denies attendance fiasco
Number of tickets sold would be below expected
In
response to the lack of faith of Dana White, UFC president, in
the competition’s survival, Affliction vice-president Tom
Atencio says he’s happy with the pace of ticket sales for
the event on the 24th, in California. Although there are rumors
sales have been below what organizers expected, Atencio maintains
that the upcoming Affliction event (Day of Reckoning) will sell
the same number of tickets as the first show (Banned), last July.
“I
don’t want to give exact numbers now, but it’s very
similar to the first show,” he affirmed. “I’m
very happy with ticket sales at the moment.”
Despite
the head man’s enthusiasm, several reports published along
last week point to sales until now being between 1,500 and 2,000
tickets, of a total of 15,000 available to the public in the
Honda Center, in Anaheim, California.
“That
(low ticket sales) is not true. It’s 100% false,” denied
Atencio today to MMAJunkie. “If we’re as successful
as we were with the first show, and I’m certain we will
be, I’ll be very happy,” he finished.
Affliction
“Day of Reckoning” brings as a main event the bout
between Fedor Emelianenko and Andrei Arlovski.
Check
out the complete Affliction card:
Fedor
Emelianenko vs Andrei Arlovski
Josh Barnett vs Gilbert Yvel
Vitor Belfort vs Matt Lindland
Renato Babalu vs Thierry Sokoudjou
Chris Horodecki vs Dan Lauzon
Rogério Minotouro vs Vladimir Matyushenko
Jay Hieron vs Jason High
Mark Hominick vs LC Davis
Albert Rios vs Antonio Duarte
Brett Cooper vs Patrick Speight
Paul Buentello vs Kiril Sidellkinov
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
FIGHTERS
UNITE TO BREAK ELITEXC STALEMATE
Press Release courtesy of Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Association
The Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Association (“MMAFA”),
on behalf of its members, forwarded a demand letter today to
EliteXC Live, a California corporation (“EliteXC”).
MMAFA seeks an acknowledgment from EliteXC that its promotional
agreements have been terminated. While hopeful that litigation
will be unnecessary, a draft of complaint has been prepared and
forwarded to EliteXC officials. According to the letter, EliteXC
has a limited time in order to voluntarily provide the release
to all of the fighters, and if EliteXC refuses, MMAFA will file
a complaint.
On
November 10, 2008, in an action initially spearheaded by agent
Ken Pavia, a group of agents, including Ed Soares and Monte Cox,
collaborated to “pool resources” to fight the proposed
auction of and transferability of EliteXC’s promotional
agreements. “The unity of this effort is unprecedented and
the message that is being sent is clear,” declared the agents.
Recognizing the success of their prior action, a number of agents
sought collective action again in resolving contractual issues
with EliteXC.
“This
situation has gone on entirely too long,” stated agent Ed
Soares. “I can’t have my fighters left in the dark
and unable to sign with any promotion they choose.”
Nathan
Brodnax, Esq., counsel at MMAagents, echoed Soares comments.
“We have made every effort to solve this problem outside
the courts and have only turned to legal action as a last resort.
Unfortunately, such steps have become necessary to protect the
interests of our clients and to ensure their continued ability
to make a living. We are confident that the courts will uphold
our legal claims and request for relief.”
“Unfortunately,
individual litigation is cost prohibitive for our members. While
it is our intention to reduce any unneeded expense,” stated
Rob Maysey, “MMAFA has reached out to and contacted top
litigation counsel and is prepared to litigate this matter to
a conclusion. Fighters and their families have been put in an
unfortunate position and are unfairly bearing the burden of EliteXC’s
situation.”
Maysey
continued, “MMAFA acts only upon the instruction of our
fighter members and their representatives. MMAFA has actively
solicited input from agents and their respective legal teams.
This initiative is truly collaborative and support has been widespread.
At this time, our focus is solely on resolving the EliteXC contractual
issue for our members.”
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Championship
Hit List: Who Stays, Who Goes in ’09?
by Mike Sloan
Now that the final grains of 2008 sand have fallen to the bottom
of the hourglass, a new dawn of mixed martial arts action awaits.
While this year remains in its embryonic stages, one must ponder
exactly which of the major champions will hold onto his gold
in 2009.
Like
last year, Sherdog.com once again braves the unknown and tries
to figure out what will happen to select titleholders from various
weight classes.
1.
Brock Lesnar, UFC heavyweight champion
A
massive and athletic beast of a man, Lesnar has transformed himself
from former NCAA wrestling champion to scoffed-at former World
Wrestling Entertainment superstar to the legitimate heavyweight
champion of the world’s most powerful mixed martial arts
organization. Lesnar became a virtual laughingstock when he was
quickly submitted at the hands and arms of Frank Mir at UFC 81,
but he bounced back with a dominant victory over grizzled veteran
Heath Herring six months later. He followed that performance
with a technical knockout against Randy Couture at UFC 91, as
he captured the world-recognized championship of the big boys.
Will
Lesnar be the UFC’s heavyweight champion by this time in
2010? No. While he’s massive, strong and lightning-quick
for his size, the fact remains that he’s still a greenhorn
in MMA. Had he not grabbed onto the fence when Couture tried
taking him down, the outcome of the fight at UFC 91 may have
been different. There are still too many holes in his arsenal
at this time to make one believe he’ll retain his title
for 12 straight months. Besides, Mir already submitted him. Why
should anybody believe that’s not going to happen when they
meet again?
2.
Rashad Evans, UFC light heavyweight champion
Picked
by yours truly more than four years ago to eventually become
the UFC’s 205-pound titlist, Evans made good on that prediction
by stopping reigning champion Forrest Griffin in the UFC 92 main
event on Dec. 27. As a professional, Evans has yet to lose a
fight, and with each passing test, he looks more and more like
a future all-time great. Formerly just a wrestler, Evans has
morphed into a lethal striker with equally damaging ground-and-pound.
Will
Evans lose his light heavyweight crown in 2009? The answer is
an emphatic no. Though the UFC’s 205-pound roster may be
as deep as UFC President Dana White is vulgar, Evans is the real
deal. He’s more athletic than most, and he has only begun
to reach his potential. The only man who could give him fits
is Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, but his mental state
has been as topsy-turvy as America’s economy. I have serious
reservations about his future as a perennial title contender.
3.
Anderson Silva, UFC middleweight champion
The
best striker MMA has ever seen, Silva has made opponents look
like amateurs since he invaded the Octagon in 2006. Only Patrick
Cote lasted into the third round against the Brazilian, but Silva
looked less serious and focused at UFC 90; Cote gave him few
problems. The best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Silva
has looked unbeatable since he signed with Zuffa LLC.
However,
“The Spider” will not be the middleweight king inside
the UFC much longer. He’ll either lose focus and get toppled
by a fighter he was supposed to blow away, or he’ll get
so bored that he has no choice but to try his luck against the
elite level light heavyweights. I favor the latter, and please,
let’s ignore his retirement talk. He’ll defend his
185-pound crown once more and then vacate it to try and wrest
the title from Evans by the end of the year.
Who
will still be on top in 2010?. Georges St. Pierre, UFC welterweight
champion
Many
fight fans have a man crush on “Rush,” and for good
reason. He’s a superb fighter who’s easily among the
top two or three best pound-for-pound mixed martial artists on
the planet. And he would not be surrendering his 170-pound title
anytime soon if it weren’t for the fact that he’s defending
said belt against B.J. Penn in a few weeks.
It’s
obvious where I’m going with this; Penn will exact revenge
against St. Pierre on Jan. 31 and steal away the title he never
truly lost inside the Octagon. It will be a candidate for “Fight
of the Year,” and as long as Penn shows up mentally focused,
St. Pierre will find himself on the short end of the stick.
5.
B.J. Penn, UFC lightweight champion
Though
he’s moving up to welterweight to challenge St. Pierre for
his title, Penn will still be the UFC’s lightweight kingpin
a year from now. He’ll be the first person under contract
to Zuffa to successfully defend world titles in two separate
weight classes simultaneously. His head finally seems to be screwed
on properly, and newfound focus will allow “The Prodigy”
to live up to the lofty expectations many set for him years ago.
Penn’s
clearly one of the most gifted fighters in the short history
of the sport, and now that he seems intent on leaving a legacy,
it’s scary to think what he might accomplish.
6.
Mike Thomas Brown, WEC featherweight champion
He
came out of nowhere last year and upended former champion Urijah
Faber via first-round stoppage at WEC 36. It may have been one
of the year’s biggest upsets, but it was no fluke.
However,
as good as Brown has become, he’ll eventually run into Faber
again. Faber may not steamroll Brown like many first predicted,
but “The California Kid” will do enough to snatch back
his title. Rubber match, anyone?
Last
year’s picks to hold on to their gold:
•
Quinton Jackson, UFC light heavyweight champion: wrong (he lost
to Forrest Griffin)
•
Robbie Lawler, EliteXC middleweight champion: right (he had a
no-contest with Scott Smith and then stopped Smith before EliteXC
folded)
•
Urijah Faber, WEC featherweight champion: wrong (he lost to Mike
Thomas Brown)
•
Shinya Aoki, Shooto middleweight champion: right (he didn’t
compete in Shooto in 2008)
•
Akitoshi Tamura, Shooto lightweight champion: wrong (he lost
to Hideki Kadowaki)
Last
year’s picks to lose their gold:
•
Anderson Silva, UFC middleweight champion: wrong (he defended
twice)
•
Matt Serra, UFC welterweight champion: right (he lost to Georges
St. Pierre)
•
Roy Nelson, IFL heavyweight champion: wrong (he defended twice
before the IFL folded)
•
Carlos Condit, WEC welterweight champion: wrong (he defended
twice)
•
Akitoshi Hokazono, Shooto featherweight champion: wrong (he retired
and Masakatsu Ueda won the vacant title)
Source: Sherdog
|
The
Fertitta family and USA Capital
By Zach Arnold
Update
(1/6/08): Here are more details about the new Sartini monster
house being constructed.
The
Las Vegas Review-Journal has a story about the US court system,
USA Capital, and investors who lost so much money that they are
living out of cars and selling off homes to try to pay off debts
they have.
However,
one group of investors who put money into USA Capital ended up
recovering all of the money they invested:
The
Fertitta family, founder of Station Casinos in Las Vegas, had
$17 million invested in USA Capital and got it all back when
one of their attorneys was on the oversight committee, Larson
said. The attorney then resigned from the committee.
Anthony
Zerbo, a 76-year-old from San Jose, Calif., invested about $900,000
in USA Capital over six years after seeing an advertisement in
a financial publication.
“When
you’re rolling it over and it’s doing good … you
think first deeds of trust, you can’t go wrong,” Zerbo
said. “Toward the end, things weren’t going good and
we tried to pull back our loans and it wasn’t there.”
The
first thought that came to mind when I read this story is the
story that Bob Meyrowitz repeats over and over again, in which
he claims that Lorenzo Fertitta was on board of the Nevada State
Athletic Commission and that, somehow (according to Meyrowitz),
Fertitta wouldn’t sanction UFC in Nevada and that this turn
of events led to UFC being sold to the Fertittas for $2 million
USD.
Here’s
the actual story about how SEG came to sell the UFC to Zuffa,
gathered from multiple issues of the Wrestling Observer, with
edits made in brackets to fill in context or correct grammar,
and with a timeline clarification courtesy of Whaledog.com: “Meyrowitz
[former UFC president Bob Meyrowitz] would go to InDemand [the
PPV company] and ask what he needed to do to get back on InDemand,
and they said the UFC needed to get sanctioned [by a major sanctioning
body]. He got sanctioned in New Jersey, and was basically told
that he needed to get it sanctioned in Nevada, as that was the
most influential athletic commission in the country. [Meyrowitz]
set up a meeting in Las Vegas, and at the time, sanctioning was
going to happen based on what inside sources were telling both
Meyrowitz and InDemand. Suddenly, the night before the approval
that was going to be the step to put the UFC back on the map,
Meyrowitz was told that he was going to be voted down [the next
day, when his request was scheduled to be voted on by the members
of the Nevada State Athletic Commission]. He didn’t have
the votes. He was also told that if he followed through the next
day, and was voted down, he would never have an opportunity to
be sanctioned. So, he pulled out, they created some cover reason
as to why he was pulling his attempt at sanctioning, and basically
he was screwed. Lorenzo Fertitta [the current co-owner of the
UFC] was an influential member of the Nevada commission at the
time. [Approximately one year later], Fertitta purchased the
UFC [for $2 million], then got sanctioning in Nevada, and then
got on PPV.”
Meanwhile,
life apparently continues to be very good for Fertitta family
members in Orange County (the ritzy Emerald Bay area):
Plans
for one—116 Emerald Bay – call for an 8,924-square-foot
home with an elevator, two basements opening out onto the beach,
plus a pool and spa on the outside deck. The lowest level features
a gym, theater, game room and a “wine alley.”
The
kitchen upstairs will have a walk-in fridge, while the “great
room” will have a bar, TV lounge and pizza oven. The master
suite on the fourth level features a chamber called the “prayer
room,” and the hall has a set of niches for votive candles.
The home will have two garages with room for five cars. Indoors,
it will have 11 bath or powder rooms, four bedrooms plus the
master suite. Completion is expected in 2010.
Property
records list the owners as Blake and Delise Sartini, sister and
brother-in-law to Las Vegas Station Casino bosses Frank and Lorenzo
Fertitta. The couple declined through an intermediary to comment.
Source: Fight Opinion
|
ANTONIO
SILVA FILES SUIT AGAINST COMMISSION
by Tom Hamlin
Former EliteXC heavyweight champion Antonio Silva has asked the
Superior Court of Los Angeles to rule on his license revocation
by the California State Athletic Commission for alleged steroid
use.
Last
Wednesday, Silva’s lawyer, Howard Jacobs, filed a petition
in the higher court for a “writ of mandate,” a legal
maneuver that could prevent the CSAC from upholding Silva’s
punishment stemming from a positive test for Boldenone metabolites
following his title-winning victory over Justin Eilers at “Unfinished
Business” on July 26.
On
Aug. 21, Silva was issued a yearlong suspension and $2,500 fine
after his post-fight urine samples were returned from a World
Anti-Doping Agency approved laboratory in Montreal, Canada. The
CSAC upheld his punishment at an Oct. 22 hearing in Los Angeles.
On
Jan. 4, Silva took a fight in Japan at Sengoku 7, prompting CSAC
Assistant Executive Officer Bill Douglas to recommend his license
be revoked at a Feb. 10 commission hearing.
The
petition states Silva’s suspension and fine is invalid because
the CSAC held Silva responsible for proving the test results
false, despite claims that his use of an over the counter supplement
called Novodex could have drawn a positive, thereby requiring
the commission to prove it did not.
“(The
CSAC) basically said, ‘well, you can’t prove that it
actually came from the legal supplement, as opposed to from the
banned substance, so you lose because you didn’t prove it
to us,’” Jacobs told MMAWeekly.com. “We say we
didn’t have to prove it, you had to prove it the other way
around.”
During
the Oct. 22 hearing, Silva’s manager, Alex Davis, told the
commission he helped Silva fill out the pre-fight medical questionnaire
for the July 26 bout because Silva could not speak or write English.
Davis wrote “multivitamins” in a space provided for
supplement use when Silva said he had taken supplements.
Since
the suspension, Silva and Davis have steadfastly maintained innocence,
claiming Silva could not use steroids because it would endanger
his health. Silva suffers from acromegaly, a condition that causes
the enlargement of facial and body features due to a tumor in
the pituitary gland.
“We
felt that the state athletic commission made the wrong decision,
not just factually, but also legally,” Jacobs commented
to MMAWeekly.com. “The rules in the state regulations allow
this type of appeal to Superior Court, so that’s why we
chose to do it.”
Next
week, Davis will file another motion to set a date for the Superior
Court hearing.
CSAC
Assistant Executive Officer Bill Douglas did not respond to a
request for comment on Silva’s claim.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Pitbull
eager for next challenge
By Guilherme Cruz
Waiting
for the winner of the fight between Georges St. Pierre and BJ
Penn, which defines the champion of the average middle-UFC, Thiago
"Pitbull" Alves is wondering a big fight for the night
of January 31 when UFC 94 will be in Las Vegas.In an exclusive
chat with TATAME in the December issue (# 154), Pitbull has done
an analysis of the fight. “It'll be a tough fight and I'll
be there watching in the first chairs. Taking into account the
fact that the fight will be disputed in 25 minutes, I believe
that St. Pierre has more chances, because he's a better athlete,
but, technically, I believe that BJ Penn is more complete because
he's best on striking, better on the ground, only in wrestling
I believe that the GSP is better, but if BJ comes in great shape
I think he has more chances", bets the Brazilian.
Asked
about his preferred opponent, Pitbull doesn't wanna choose. "Any
of them would be great. I'm big fan of both and, truly, I believe
I can make a big fight against both. Maybe against GSP could
be a more exciting fight, but i think BJ alson would accept striking
with me... I want my titleshot, no matter against whom. I respect
both, but anyone who comes will go down”.
Source: Tatame
|
Quote
of the Day
“A
strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than
any wonder drug.”
Patricia Neal |
Royler
Gracie Seminar in Hawaii!
|
Friday
Night Fights Maui Style!
 |
MATT
HAMILL VS. MARK MUNOZ ALL SET FOR UFC 96
Light heavyweight wrestling standouts Matt Hamill and Mark Munoz
will face off at the upcoming UFC 96 in Columbus, Ohio. Sources
close to both fighters confirmed to MMAWeekly.com that bout agreements
have been signed and the fight is a lock.
Hamill,
32, on Saturday evening signed the Munoz bout as part of a new
six-fight deal with the promotion. He last appeared at UFC 92,
defeating IFL veteran Reese Andy by TKO. In the last fifteen
months, the three-time NCAA champion has shown an increasingly
impressive skill set on his feet while maintaining his strong
wrestling base. 5-2 in professional competition, he first entered
the spotlight on the third season of “The Ultimate Fighter,”
the first deaf fighter to appear in the organization.
Munoz,
30, emigrated to the UFC following the WEC’s elimination
of the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions. The 2001
NCAA champion last defeated Ricardo Barros at the WEC 37, the
last to feature light heavyweights. Undefeated in five professional
bouts, Munoz began his training at former WEC featherweight champ
Uriah Faber’s Ultimate Fitness Academy, but has recently
been working with the Gracie Academy and Joker’s Wild Academy
in southern California.
Source: MMA Weekly |
Belfort
training in Las Vegas
Final stretch at Xtreme Couture before facing Lindland
Vitor
Belfort started off 2009 confident, after having fully recovered
from the broken hand he suffered in his second-round knockout
of Terry Martin at the maiden Affliction event, “Banned.”
Now
the well-traveled fighter has decided to carry out his final
preparations at the gym of a former rival, Randy Couture, who
the Brazilian has gone 1 and 2 with in the UFC octagon. The fighter
known as the “Phenom” did not hide his admiration for
the facilities the man dubbed “The Natural,” after
having stopped a young Belfort before then thought to be invincible,
has set up in Las Vegas, the world-renowned Xtreme Couture gym,
in Las Vegas.
“Here
training is really professional. Everything starts right on time.
It’s awesome. Perfect. I’m training under great coaches,
excellent sparring partners and there’s lots of wrestling
to do here. In a nutshell, training is going really well. I’ve
fully recovered. I have no complaints, I can only thank God for
that,” said Belfort.
On
his upcoming former-Olympic-wrestler opponent, Vitor had the
following to say: “Matt’s a really tough fighter, a
hard nut to crack. He has a bit of an awkward game, but I’m
prepared for everything. There’s no mystery to it. It’s
all about being prepared for any situation: on top, on the ground,
on bottom. I’m trying to cover all bases,” said the
Carioca in finishing.
Check
out the complete Affliction card:
Fedor
Emelianenko vs Andrei Arlovski
Josh Barnett vs Gilbert Yvel
Vitor Belfort vs Matt Lindland
Renato Babalu vs Thierry Sokoudjou
Chris Horodecki vs Dan Lauzon
Rogerio Minotouro vs Vladimir Matyushenko
Jay Hieron vs Jason High
Mark Hominick vs LC Davis
Albert Rios vs Antonio Duarte
Brett Cooper vs Patrick Speight
Paul Buentello vs Kiril Sidellkinov
Source: Tatame |
Belfort
ready for Matt Lindland
After
won Terry Martin by knockout in the first edition of Affliction,
Vitor Belfort back to the fights on January 24 and not think
of another result than victory. After a hard training session
in Minotauro Team, the "Phenom" talked with TATAME
about the expectation for the fight. “I am well, training
hard and i have no complains... Everything is perfect. I'm doing
my normal training, nothing special. I´m improving my weakness
and what I already have good. Here there are much wrestler, sparrings
and the training is very professional, it is valid", said
Belfort, in the cheer of Brazilian Rogerio Minotouro and Renato
"Babalu” in action on the same night.
"I
hope that we can get off very well in that event, that's my expectation,
that we three won. I hope they are well trained and to bring
more victories for Brazil" said victor in the cheer of the
growth of Affliction in the events. "I hope the event will
grow and the fighters will grow together. This is the fairest
thing but i have no concern about that, the important thing is
to do our part". Concludes.
Trainning
in the Minotauro Team, Belfort had the opportunity to train with
Rodrigo Nogueira for his fight against Frank Mir in UFC 92, but
the result was not expected. With a defeat by technical knockout
in the second round, Nogueira loose his interim belt of event,
but the Belfort bet on his return to the top. "Nogueira
has not had time to find the fight, several things have happened
to him, came from contusion, was hospitalized and has a lot of
things to be adjusted in his training. The Mir fought very well,
without wanting to take the merits of it,but I wanted that the
Rodrigo gives a rest for his body. He came from many battles
and contusions, he was not 100% for this fight. The Frank Mir
was better, but I'm sure that Rodrigo will turn this around",
finalized.
Source: Tatame |
Thiago
Silva
Coaching
strong at American Top Team to face the tough challenge with
Lyoto Machida in UFC 94, in January, Thiago Silva doesn’t
want to know about a result that isn’t a victory, which
he hopes that it’ll take him to a chance for the belt. Unbeaten
in 13 fights in his career, Thiago talked with TATAME about the
preparation for the fight, what he expects of the challenge and
analyzed the defeat of Wanderlei Silva to Quinton Jackson in
UFC 92. Check out below the exclusive interview, where the fighter
still talks about the triumphs of Jorge Santiago and Antônio
"Pezão" in Sengoku.
How
are the trainings for the fight?
The
training is the usual, very strong, with much sparring, blocking,
fitness preparation... I’m making full preparation, training
it all. I’m a guy who is always trying to be complete, I
don’t do specific training. My thing is to drop inside,
I always try to finalize, either is standing or on the floor,
this specific thing is not for me.
How
do you expect the combat to roll?
I
look at the facts. Lyoto is a guy that has the same record that
I do, 13 fights, but I think he has eight victories by decision.
He doesn’t fall for the combat and, if he does, I’ll
thank God. I believe he will run away the entire fight and I'm
prepared for this. My head is good and he’ll not let me
nervous. If he runs, I’ll run after him.
Lyoto
is pointed as one of the toughest athletes of the category. How
will it be your situation in the event with a victory over him?
It’s
two unbeaten, we’re in the same goal of winning the belt.
I’m doing my work, I prefer to wait for the end of the fight.
It is being very cool, having the chance to fight with the bests
in the world is very gratifying. I’m humble, I'm not counting
advantage and I’m here to do my job. I have dreams to come
true and I'm in the race.
What
did you think about the victory of Quinton Jackson on Wanderlei
Silva in UFC 92?
Surprised
me a lot. I found Rampage very concentrated, Wanderlei as always
in the aggressive style, I admire him a lot, I reflected very
much on him in the beginning, loved him, but in this fight I
thought Rampage came more concentrated, more closed and ended
up getting to the knockout.
Many
people believe that Wanderlei focused a lot on fitness preparation
and less on training sparring, which he had been doing in Xtreme
Couture. Do you think this counted in the fight?
I
think the name "MMA" says it all, everything has to
merge. I don’t know how were he’s drills, I haven’t
followed, but today there are many athletes who focus more on
preparation than on the rest and I don’t think this is good
because, wanting or not, the technique will prevail in the end.
Conditioning is important, but in my opinion, technique is above.
In
an interview to TATAME, you had bet on the victory of Rashad
Evans on Forrest Griffin... What did you think of the fight?
I
thought it was cool. Forrest printed a good game on top, but
ended up crashing on the floor. Rashad was much more prepared
at the ground and knew how to advantage. I thought it was cool,
is an unbeaten owner of a belt and, God willing, we will have
two unbeaten disputing the belt... It will be cool, huh?
How
do you think it would be a fight with you against Rashad?
It
would be a very tough fight. He has a very good wrestling and
improved considerably on foot. I would love to do this fight,
honestly.
Passing
through Lyoto, who do you believe that the UFC will put in front
of you? Do you think you can face another Brazilian, Wanderlei
or Luiz "Banha" Cane?
I’m
a professional, I want to win. Wanderlei is with a defeat and
I heard rumors that he’ll go down in weight and Cane is
okay, but I think he has to walk a lot, he just entered in the
event. He has he’s values, but I need to value me. I’m
here for a while and I want to fight with who is winning and
who is with the belt.
And
the victory of Jorge Santiago and Antônio “Pezão”
(Big Foot) in Japan? How is the climate in ATT?
The
team is more united, training is very good. Yesterday we had
over 70 people training MMA in the ATT, one helps the other...
Here is my home and I’m very happy. It’s very cool,
you have to see to believe.
Source: Tatame |
Anderson
Silva
Middleweight
champion of the UFC, Anderson Silva reigns absolute in the category
and is constantly pointed like the best pound-for-pound fighter
of MMA. Back to Brazil, Anderson prepares himself to step on
Ultimate’s octagon again and defend his belt, this time
against a compatriot. Still without the official confirmation,
Anderson trains strongly to face Thales Leites, and spoke with
TATAME.com about the preparation, “Minotauro” Nogueira
and Wanderlei Silva’s loss in UFC 92 and much more.
Is
already right the fight against Thales Leites, in UFC 97? How
do you think it will be?
I
don’t know yet, but I think that it’ll be against him.
I don’t know, it’s hard to say. Fight is fight, there’s
no how to say how it’ll be, I just have to train. He’ll
have the opportunity of fight for the belt, I hope that he’s
training well, because we’re too… To fight against
a Brazilian is always complicated, even because is a title fight,
but it’s cool, we’re professionals and we’ll do
our jobs.
How
is the preparation for the fight?
The
trains are very cool. We already started the trainings, I came
back now from United States, where I was training with Randy,
Manny Pacquiao’s coach, and we came back now to Brazil to
start the trains firmer here. I’m at Curitiba, sharpening
my Muay Thai and, next week, I’m going to Rio de Janeiro
to start the physical preparation, the trains with the guys,
André Galvão, (Ronaldo) “Jacaré”
(Souza), all the people there.
Did
you go to Las Vegas to watch the UFC 92? What did you think?
I
wasn’t there, I was solving my things at Los Angeles and
I didn’t go to watch the fights, but unfortunately it wasn’t
a good night for the Brazilians. Let’s come back, see where
we did wrong and made right and find to improve. It’s a
new year, everything new, let’s forget the pass. This already
makes part of the pass. The fight is over and it is already pass,
now is to think in the future, the next fights and challenges
that will come.
Where
do you think that they mistook in the fights?
I
wasn’t very much with Minotauro in the last times, because
I was busy doing my things… He must has given a train with
the guys there (Wanderlei Silva’s team, in Las Vegas), but
by what I know, it’s not excuse, Rodrigo had just left out
of the hospital, stayed intern some time and wasn’t very
well, so… It’s not an excuse, but we don’t know
what really happened, only him can tell what really have happened.
This is past now, we have to think in the next fights and to
run after, see another time what we mistook in the year that
passed and start to improve.
Do
you think about to train in the Wanderlei`s academy when you
go to fight in Las Vegas?
We
already trained many years together, each one took different
lives and has your way to run, each one chose the way that wanted
to run through, but, if I had an opportunity, was near there,
happen the opportunity, certainly. It’s normal, because
I don’t have anything against him, each one knows what make,
so it’s ok.
How
do you see the situation of Lyoto Machida into UFC, who already
made five fights, continues undefeated, but doesn’t gets
a titleshot?
This
is not due to us. Lyoto already proved to everybody that has
conditions of represent this category and fight for the belt,
but isn’t due to me, but to the promoters of the events
give this chance. He already proved that, now is to wait the
next fight, to hope that make a good fight, a fight that defines
once for all his condition like one of the pretenders to fight
for the belt. As him as Thiago are big fighters, it’ll be
hard for the both, but we’re supporting him (Lyoto). I’m
his friend, I train with him and I’m cheering for him. For
the belt, he’ll have to wait, and it is due to the owners
of the event to give this chance for him. He already proved that
can, now it is to wait.
Source: Tatame |
Shogun
and Ninja’s brother ready for MMA
MMA
is a sport for the whole family. If Maurício “Shogun”
and Murilo “Ninja” already made their parents proud,
they’ll have another reason to watch the MMA events. Marcos
Rua, little brother of the former Pride fighters, is getting
ready to make his first MMA fight. “He’s well, training
tough and much focused. He would fight at The Glory, that would
happen at January, but was delayed to March, but we want to see
him fighting before”, said Shogun, who trains with the brothers
at Universidade da Luta, at Curitiba.
Source: Tatame |
Quote
of the Day
“I
would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by
belief.”
Gerry Spence
|
Gracie
Jiu-Jitsu takes Royce around the world
First
athlete to dominate the UFC, with three victories in the first
edition of the event, in 1993, Royce Gracie is one of the greatest
legends of national MMA. Even without fighting since 2007, when
defeated Kazushi Sakuraba in K-1 Hero's, is mistaken who thinks
that the Brazilian is out of the Jiu-Jitsu world, the same that
made him for many years as one of the best of the MMA.
During
the festivities of December, we received an email from the black
belt, in which Royce thanks for the support over the years and
makes a balance of 2008. "I want to thank everyone for the
continued support. I thank all who helped me, not only this year,
but in the past, to expand the knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu of my father
(Hélio Gracie) worldwide", wrote Royce, telling what
he has done in recent months.
"In
the last six years I could travel around the world and make the
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu continue to grow. Last year I visited a big
number of states in the U.S. and my international seminars happen
in England, Scotland, Ireland, Israel, Spain, Romania, Australia,
Japan, Guatemala, Mexico, Canada and many others. It’s unbelievable
how fast things are growing and I can hardly wait to visit the
rest of the world. I’m also giving a Gracie course to the
police and the militaries. It’s rewarding to hear stories
of how the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu saved a life", celebrates Royce,
wishing a very good 2009 to all.
Source: Tatame
|
UFC
2008 YEAR IN REVIEW, PART 1
The Ultimate Fighting Championship put on twenty events in 2008,
three in England, one in Canada and opened new markets in the
U.S. with shows in Minneapolis, Atlanta, Omaha, Chicago, Fayetteville,
and returned to where it all began back in 1993, Denver.
In
2008 we witnessed a changing of the guard with The Ultimate Fighter
alums rising to the top of their divisions with The Ultimate
Fighter season 1 winner Forrest Griffin defeating Quinton "Rampage"
Jackson to gain the light heavyweight crown only to have it taken
away by season 2 winner Rashad Evans. Season 1 finalist Kenny
Florian solidified himself as the No. 1 contender to BJ Penn's
lightweight title.
We
witnessed the return of Randy "That Natural" Couture,
the untimely death of former middleweight titleholder Evan Tanner,
the emergence of Brock Lesnar and the resurrection of Frank Mir's
fighting career. Familiar faces and long-time contenders were
toppled as Chuck Liddell was viciously knocked out by Rashad
Evans, Wanderlei Silva was put to sleep by a counter left-hook
from Quinton Jackson, Randy Couture got TKO'd by Brock Lesnar,
and "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy," Tito Ortiz, disappeared.
While
other promotions would falter in 2008, the Ultimate Fighting
Championship continued to grow and solidify its dominance as
the premier mixed martial arts promotion in the world. While
they put on several events, big fights and a reality television
series, 2008 for the UFC was the "Let's Make a Deal"
year.
SPONSORSHIP
DEALS
In
a troubled economy where even top NASCAR teams have struggled
to secure sponsorships, the UFC inked deals with major companies.
Harley Davidson signed on with the UFC in December of 2007, with
it's logos showing up on the Octagon canvas and the backdrop
of the weigh-ins, replacing Xyience. The sponsorship was the
first time the motorcycle giant sponsored a sport outside of
racing.
Announced
at UFC 82: "Pride of a Champion" pre-fight press conference
on Feb. 28, was a three-year deal with Anheuser-Busch as the
UFC's official beer sponsor.
“Landing
Anheuser-Busch and Bud Light is huge for us, our fighters and
especially our fans,” said UFC president Dana White. “We’ve
got the number one selling beer in the world and one of the top
marketers in all of sports as our sponsor. If our TV ratings,
pay-per-view buys and venue sell-outs weren’t enough, this
definitely cements UFC as a major player in sports business.”
“UFC
has developed a huge following in recent years and is wildly
popular with the 21-34 year old fans we want to reach,”
said Tony Ponturo, vice president, global media and sports marketing,
Anheuser-Busch, Inc. “The number of people attending live
events, buying the pay-per-views and talking about UFC around
the water cooler continues to grow. It’s just a great place
for us to be.”
The
UFC also inked a deal with BSN as it's official nutritional supplement
provider.
"I'm
proud to announce that BSN is now the 'Official Nutritional Supplement
Provider' of the UFC," said BSN CEO Chris Ferguson. "MMA
is the fasted growing sport in the world today. We are excited
to be aligned with an organization as prestigious as the UFC."
MERCHANDISING
DEALS
In
June, toy maker Jakks Pacific Inc. signed a four-year license
agreement with the UFC to develop a line of action figures. The
Octagon was also included in the license agreement.
Along
with the action figures, the Octagon, and other accessories,
the four-year Master Toy license also includes “role-play
items based on the UFC brand and its classic and current roster
of star fighters.” The first set of figures will be released
this fall and feature UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar,
middleweight titleholder Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddell, Forrest
Griffin, Michael Bisping and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, among
others.
In
April, UFC-branded Bic lighters made their way into stores. Silver
Buffalo introduced UFC-branded watches, barware, bar accessories,
lighting, wall décor, and billiards and darts accessories.
And on June 15, US Bank launched its UFC VISA card with no annual
fee and the option to receive points for UFC merchandise.
On
Oct. 14, The Topps Company and the UFC announced an agreement
that gave Topps exclusive rights to produce UFC brand trading
cards featuring current, future and former UFC athletes. The
deal lasts through May 2011 for UFC trading cards and stickers.
“MMA
continues to become one of the most popular sports in the country
and Topps is looking forward to joining forces with UFC’s
rising stars and illustrious history,” said Warren Friss,
Topps’ General Manager of Sports & Entertainment. “We
are extremely excited to work with UFC and give our collectors
access that has never before been available in our industry.”
The cards will debut this year.
“There’s
going to be incredible UFC-branded product,” said Randy
Klein, the UFC’s Vice President of Licensing and Merchandising.
“We’re establishing a benchmark of MMA product that
no one has ever seen before. We’re going to be in retailers
all over the world with our video game, apparel, and sports collectibles.
It’s really an exciting time right now.”
TELEVISION
DEALS
On
June 10, the UFC and Globosat announced a three-year television
distribution agreement to show UFC events on two Globosat channels
– Premiere Combate and SporTV – in Brazil.
“We
are very happy to be able to show the UFC for another three years,
this is the event that our subscribers continually request,”
said Elton Simões, Globosat’s premium channels director.
“We
have over 20 Brazilian fighters in the UFC, including our middleweight
champion, Anderson Silva, Antonio 'Minotauro' Nogueira, Wanderlei
Silva, Lyoto Machida, Gabriel Gonzaga, and the list goes on and
on. Now fight fans in Brazil can see their fights and follow
their favorite fighters,” said Dana White, UFC President.
In
September, the UFC announced it had reached a deal with TELESPORT,
one of the largest sports networks in Romania, to air live UFC
events. “We look forward to bringing (Romania) all the best
fights as they happen on TELESPORT, as well as new and exciting
ways that they can experience the UFC,” said White.
On
Oct. 13, the UFC announced it had reached a two-year agreement
to return to Japanese television with WOWOW.
“WOWOW
is extremely pleased to announce that UFC is back on WOWOW, starting
with the UFC 89 event in Birmingham, UK,” said Mr. Kazuyuki
Omura, Chief Producer, WOWOW. “The UFC will telecast in
High Definition on WOWOW’s popular 'Timely-on-Air' format,
a limited delay broadcast adjusting the airtime to a time that
will be convenient for the sports fans in Japan. After airing
over 50 UFC shows from 2001 to 2007, we are excited to once again
provide our subscribers with the most prominent mixed martial
arts program in the world.”
CANADA
FINALLY GOT THEIR EVENT
The
UFC going to Canada had been promised and questioned about by
the media for years. On April 19, Canada finally got its UFC
event, headlined by the Canadian 2008 Athlete of the Year Georges
"Rush" St. Pierre. The sellout crowd was electric inside
the Bell Center in Montreal that night as St. Pierre rematched
Matt "The Terror" Serra, who had previously TKO'd the
Canadian in one of the biggest upsets in mixed martial arts history.
St.
Pierre would avenge the loss by dominating Serra in every facet
of the game, finishing The Ultimate Fighter season 4 winner,
former welterweight titleholder, and Renzo Gracie black belt
with knees to the body on the ground.
Heavyweight
prospect Cain Valasquez would make his UFC debut that night.
Rich Frankin TKO'd The Ultimate Fighter season 4 middleweight
winner Travis Lutter. Michael "The Count" Bisping made
his middleweight division debut, while Nate "The Rock"
Quarry literally chased Kalib Starnes around the Octagon in a
15-minute marathon decision win.
UFC
TAKES THE SHOW TO NEW MARKETS
While
the UFC continued its European invasion, on the home front, they
brought the Octagon to new markets and returned to some old ones
as well. The UFC began 2008 in Newcastle, England, but put on
events in eight U.S. cities: Las Vegas, Columbus, Denver, Minneapolis,
Atlanta, Omaha, Chicago, and Fayetteville, N.C.
The
UFC marked its second visit to Columbus, and it's third trip
to Ohio, in 2008. The Ultimate Fighting Championship began in
Denver, Colorado in November of 1993. UFC 1 and 2 would play
out in the Mile High City, as well as "The Ultimate Ultimate
1995," in December of that year. They returned to where
it all began for UFC Fighting Night 13, headlined by Kenny Florian
and Joe Lauzon. Okay, so it was actually Broomfield, Colo., but
that's still the Denver metro area.
On
Aug. 9, the UFC went to Minneapolis for the first time with welterweight
titleholder Georges St. Pierre defeating top challenger Jon Fitch
in the main event. On the undercard, Kenny Florian was victorious
over a then undefeated Roger Huerta, and Minnesota's own Brock
Lesnar got his first UFC win by decision over veteran fighter
Heath Herring.
The
UFC would return to Georgia for the first time since UFC 13 in
May of 1997. Atlanta boasts the world's busiest airport, professional
baseball, football, and basketball teams. On Sept. 6, Phillips
Arena was filled to capacity to witness the fastest growing sport,
mixed martial arts, as the UFC invaded the crown jewel of the
south. The arena went silent in the main event, brought on by
a thunderous right hand from Rashad Evans that put former UFC
light heavyweight titleholder Chuck Liddell to sleep.
Eleven
days later the UFC would take its product to Omaha. Hometown
favorite Houston Alexander would be defeated by Eric Schafer
in the closing seconds of the first round, while Alan Belcher
and Ed Herman would go to war, ending in a split decision, and
The Ultimate Fighter season 5 winner Nate Diaz had his toughest
test to date, edging out Josh Neer by split decision in a back
and forth battle to cap off the night.
An
event in the Chicago area had long been talked about and on Oct.
25, it became a reality. UFC middleweight titleholder Anderson
Silva defeated Patrick Cote in the main event after Cote sustained
a knee injury. MMAWeekly.com's 2008 Fighter of the Year, Thiago
Alves, handily defeated Josh Koscheck in their welterweight match-up,
while former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk and Tyson Griffin
went to war with Sherk pulling out the unanimous decision.
The
Ultimate Fighting Championship hadn't been to North Carolina
since UFC 5 in April of 1995, but in 2008, the UFC put on a special
event to raise money for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, raising
more than $4 million for injured soldiers. The night was filled
with brutal fights. During the second bout on the card, Corey
Hill suffered a broken leg when his kick was checked by Dale
Hartt. Hill went into surgery the next day to repair the damage.
Ben Saunders finished Brandon Wolff with a series of knees, while
former World Extreme Cagefighting light heavyweight titleholder
Steve Cantwell dislocated Razak Al-Hassan's elbow with an arm
bar that Al-Hassan refused to tap to. Mike Swick lived up to
his nickname, "Quick," taking only 33 seconds to viciously
knock out Jonathan Goulet, and Josh Koscheck delivered a highlight
reel KO over Yoshiyuki Yoshida in the main event.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
UFC
2008 YEAR IN REVIEW, PART 2
The
Ultimate Fighting Championship put on twenty events in 2008,
three in England, one in Canada and opened new markets in the
U.S. with shows in Minneapolis, Atlanta, Omaha, Chicago, Fayetteville,
and returned to where it all began back in 1993, Denver.
In
2008 we witnessed a changing of the guard with The Ultimate Fighter
alums rising to the top of their divisions with The Ultimate
Fighter season 1 winner Forrest Griffin defeating Quinton "Rampage"
Jackson to gain the light heavyweight crown only to have it taken
away by season 2 winner Rashad Evans. Season 1 finalist Kenny
Florian solidified himself as the No. 1 contender to BJ Penn's
lightweight title.
We
witnessed the return of Randy "That Natural" Couture,
the untimely death of former middleweight titleholder Evan Tanner,
the emergence of Brock Lesnar and the resurrection of Frank Mir's
fighting career. Familiar faces and long-time contenders were
toppled as Chuck Liddell was viciously knocked out by Rashad
Evans, Wanderlei Silva was put to sleep by a counter left-hook
from Quinton Jackson, Randy Couture got TKO'd by Brock Lesnar,
and "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy," Tito Ortiz, disappeared.
While
other promotions would falter in 2008, the Ultimate Fighting
Championship continued to grow and solidify its dominance as
the premier mixed martial arts promotion in the world. While
they put on several events, big fights and a reality television
series, 2008 for the UFC was the "Let's Make a Deal"
year.
(Click
here for Part 1 of the UFC 2008 Year in Review.)
Here
is part two of the UFC 2008 Year in Review...
THE
RETURN OF COUTURE
On
Oct. 11, 2007, UFC heavyweight champion Randy "The Natural"
Couture announced his resignation from the organization. Couture
had fights remaining on his existing UFC contract, but maintained
that the contract was time-stamped and would eventually expire.
The UFC disagreed and insisted the popular fighter owed them
two more fights, and the court filings began.
In
February, lawyers for Mark Cuban's HDNet Fights filed suit against
the UFC asking for a declaratory ruling on Couture's UFC contract,
but Zuffa, parent company of the UFC, succeeded in obtaining
a stay on the Texas ruling. On Aug. 1, Zuffa was awarded a permanent
stay until arbitration proceedings in Nevada were complete.
While
Couture was away from the company, the UFC decided to crown an
interim champion. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira defeated Tim Sylvia
to obtain the interim heavyweight title. He would later lose
the belt to former heavyweight titleholder Frank Mir at UFC 92
on Dec. 27.
On
Sept. 2, the UFC called for a media teleconference to announce
a deal had been reached with Couture and he would be returning
to the Octagon to face Brock Lesnar at UFC 91 in November. The
teleconference was delayed for an hour as last-minute details
were worked out between Couture and Zuffa, but the announcement
was made and Couture was back in the UFC.
Lesnar,
who only had three professional mixed martial arts bouts on his
record and was 1-1 in the UFC, defeated Couture by TKO in the
second round on Nov. 15 to capture UFC gold. The former NCAA
national champion wrestler and former WWE professional wrestling
superstar is slated to rematch Frank Mir to unify the titles
later this year. Mir defeated Lesnar in Lesnar's UFC debut at
UFC 81 on Feb. 2 by submission.
THE
DEATH OF EVAN TANNER
On
Sept. 8, shock, disbelief and sadness tore through the MMA community
with the confirmation that former UFC middleweight titleholder
Evan Tanner was dead at age 37.
On
Aug. 10, Tanner wrote a blog on Spike TV’s website, “I'm
not just going out into the desert, I'm going out into the desert
to hunt for lost treasure. I'm going on a pilgrimage of sorts,
a journey to solitude, to do some thinking, and to pay my respects
to the great mysteries.”
Six
days later, on Aug. 16, Tanner wrote this cryptic blog: “I
plan on going so deep into the desert, that any failure of my
equipment, could cost me my life. I've been doing a great deal
of research and study. I want to know all I can about where I'm
going, and I want to make sure I have the best equipment.”
He
added on Aug. 27, “This isn't a version of ‘Into the
Wild.’ I'm not going out into the desert with a pair of
shorts and a bowie knife, to try to live off the land. I'm going
fully geared up, and I'm planning on having some fun.”
Lt.
George Moreno of the Imperial County Sheriff’s Department
reported that Tanner set out treasure hunting on Wednesday, Sept.
3, asking friends to call for help if he didn’t return right
away. Lt. Moreno says friends called the Sheriff’s Office
on Friday, Sept. 5, and search and rescue teams looked for him
throughout the weekend in temperatures reaching 114 degrees Fahrenheit.
That
Monday, Sept. 8, U.S. Marines used a helicopter to search by
air, spotting a body two miles from the campground where Tanner’s
belongings were previously found. The body was later identified
as that of Evan Tanner.
Tanner
rose to the top of the mixed martial arts world by winning the
UFC middleweight title over David Terrell at UFC 51: "Super
Saturday" Feb. 5, 2005. Tanner last competed in the UFC
on June 21 losing to Kendall Grove by split decision.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
MIR,
BIG JOHN PART OF NEW SERIES IN MMA FIGURES
Mixed
martial arts stars Andrei “The Pit Bull” Arlovski,
“Big John” McCarthy, Frank Mir and Antonio Rodrigo
“Minotauro” Nogueira will be featured in Round 5’s
Series 3 of mixed martial arts collectible figures, it was announced
by Round 5 C.E.O. Barron Lau and President Damon Lau. Series
3 figures are projected to be available the beginning in April.
The
Series 3 figurines follow successful launches of the first two
series in April 2008 and November 2008, respectively, which featured
eight MMA fan favorites. Randy Couture, Matt Hughes, Quinton
‘Rampage? Jackson and Tito Ortiz comprised Series 1 while
Rich Franklin, Sean Sherk, Anderson Silva and Wanderlei Silva
were released in Series 2.
“We
are excited that four huge MMA standouts like Arlovski, McCarthy,
Mir and
Nogueira will be our partners in creating the next Series of
Round 5 figurines,” said
Damon Lau. “These are some of the biggest names in the sport
today and we think fans
will love to show their support of these great stars with a high-quality
collectible on
their desks.”
As
in the earlier series, the four newest Round 5 stars maintain
creative control of their
likenesses, including the pose, facial design and shorts. Each
will be instrumental in
creating the final design and will benefit from a royalty agreement
that gives them a
considerable portion of the sale of their respective figurines.
Arlovski,
the former UFC heavyweight champion, will next be competing in
the highly-
anticipated battle with Russian star Fedor Emelianenko on January
24 at the Affliction
“Day of Reckoning” event in Anaheim, Calif. The Minsk,
Belarus, native has a 14-5
career record, 10 of those by knockout. He has won five straight
bouts, including all
three of his 2008 fights.
McCarthy
has been recognized as the pre-eminent MMA referee since the
early days of
the UFC. He has been in charge in more than 600 bouts worldwide
and was one of the
original authors of the MMA rules and regulations that are used
today. His “larger
than life” personality has also made him one of the most
recognized and celebrated
figures in the sport.
Mir
is coming off the biggest win of his career, when he defeated
Nogueira with a
second-round TKO on Dec. 27 to win the UFC heavyweight title.
He has persevered
through devastating injuries, including a broken leg suffered
in a motorcycle accident,
to reach the pinnacle of the sport and looks forward to defending
his crown. He earned
additional attention as a coach in the recently concluded eighth
season of “The Ultimate
Fighter” television program on Spike TV.
Despite
the loss to Mir, Nogueira remains one of the sport’s most
legendary and
popular athletes, particularly in his native Brazil. He first
gained attention as one of the
top stars in PRIDE and was also a coach in season 8 of “The
Ultimate Fighter” opposite
Mir. Of his 31 career victories - against just five defeats and
one draw - 20 have come
by submission.
Round
5 plans to release three additional series of athletes in 2009,
one during each
quarter. Athletes to be represented in those series are yet to
be announced.
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Manager
guarantees: ”We’ll go until the end”
Days
after celebrating his victory in the return to Japan, at the
seventh edition of Sengoku, Antônio "Bigfoot"
Silva faces another battle. Suspended by the California Athletic
Commission on charges of use of boldenona in his last fight in
EliteXC, Bigfoot decided to fight overseas, causing reaction
of the Commission, which threatens to suspend the fighter’s
license in the United States for an indefinite period, at the
hearing scheduled for February 10th.
Angry
with the decision, Alex Davis, the fighter’s manager, got
in contact with TATAME to defend the athlete and ensure that
the fight is far from the end. “I’m absolutely sure
that Pezão didn’t take boldenona or any other prohibited
substance. The hearing with the Commission was a joke, they didn’t
listen to the evidences. I continue completely supportive to
Bigfoot and I accept any consequence that will come to me, but
we’ll continue our fight until the end”, said Alex.
While
the Commission marks the hearing to February, the manager revealed
that he’ll enter with a process in common justice. “Their
hearing is to screw us, but we’re going to civil justice
against them. It is the first time that this will be done, we’ll
go until the end. We’re right and we’re not afraid
of them, they’re wrong”, says Alex. “They tried
to coerce us (not to fight in Japan) and now they sent a letter
to Bigfoot … We’re here, we’re not going to run
away. If it’s necessary, Bigfoot fights until the end of
his life in Japan, that’s not a problem”.
As
for the victory in Japan, the entrepreneur is only praise. Following
the fight from the corner, Alex climbed into the ring to celebrate
with the fighter. "It was wonderful. We were treated very
well by the Japanese, liked it very much and he was very happy.
The Sengoku the much appreciated and we are happy. He has to
continue to fight and it was wonderful to see you win, that is
what I want for him. The Sengoku will give him an opportunity
to show his work, "concluded Alex. Stay tuned for more news
on TATAME on the case.
Source: Tatame |
Thiago
promises to hunt Lyoto in UFC 94
Coaching
strong at American Top Team to face the tough challenge with
Lyoto Machida, in UFC 94, in January, Thiago Silva doesn’t
want to know about a result that isn’t a victory, which
he hopes that it’ll take him to a chance for the belt. Unbeaten
in 13 fights in his career, Thiago spoke with TATAME about his
preparation to the fight and what he expects of the challenge.
"He
doesn’t fall for fighting and, if he does, I’ll thank
God. I believe he’ll run away the entire fight and I'm prepared
for this. My head is good and he won’t let me nervous. If
he runs, I’ll run after him", said Thiago, who also
analyzed the defeat of Wanderlei Silva to Quinton Jackson in
UFC 92. Stay tuned in TATAME and check, tomorrow, an exclusive
interview with the American’s Top Team athlete, who also
spoke about the triumphs of Jorge Santiago and Antonio "Pezão"
in Sengoku.
Source: Tatame
|
Quote
of the Day
“Science
is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life.”
Immanuel Kant
|
Fighters'
Club TV Tonight!
Channel
52
NEW TIME of 8:00 PM!
If
you are not on the Onzuka.com Hawaii Ground forum, you are missing
the latest news from upcoming events, get to rub elbows with
numerous promoters and fighters, and get to voice your opinion
on any subject you can dream up. Hit the links above to sign
up for a free account and start posting away!
|
KAMPMANN
EXPECTS THE UNEXPECTED IN 170 DEBUT
Martin Kampmann will be making his welterweight debut against
Alexandre Barros at UFC 93 in Dublin, Ireland.
Kampmann
had a solid run at middleweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship,
but after a loss to Nathan Marquardt back in September, he decided
to give welterweight a shot.
“It's
something that I considered for a long time, cutting to 170,”
explained Kampmann in an interview with MMAWeekly Radio. “I
pretty much walk around at 185 and on weight for the weight class.
I didn't really cut weight for 185, so I considered dropping
to 170. I got a loss, so I thought I'd give it a try.”
“The
Hitman” always walked around pretty light at middleweight,
but he never saw a reason to drop down a weight class. After
all, he was a perfect 4-0 in the Octagon before his loss to Marquardt.
There's a famous saying that goes, “If it isn't broke, don't
fix it.” Kampmann believed that to be the truth until his
recent loss.
“A
lot of people were telling me to drop down to 170 before the
loss, but I was like, don't fix what isn't broken,” he said.
“I was doing good. I think I could still do good at 185,
but we'll try this out and hopefully I'll be even better at 170.”
Some
fighters won't even look at the video of a loss, but the Danish
fighter did view his first loss in the UFC. That doesn't mean
he wants to watch it repeatedly though. “I've seen it, but
I don't like watching it to be honest with you. I made a mistake
and I shouldn't have been caught the way I did, but I got a little
shaky legs and he hurt me. He was really good at keeping the
pressure on me once I got hurt. He never let me back in the fight
and I give him credit for that. I shouldn't of have been hurt
in the first place.”
Since
Kampmann had never had to drop any weight before, he felt like
he should do a test cut. However, after training as rigorously
as he does, he found that the weight actually comes off pretty
easy for him.
“I
did a test cut for 170,” said the 26-year-old fighter. “I'm
actually really light right now from the training. I don't think
it will be any problem cutting to 175.”
It's
come full circle for Kampmann, as he was supposed to fight in
the UFC's first show in Belfast, Northern Ireland, before succumbing
to his debilitating knee injury. A year and a half later, the
Dane will finally be able to come back to take care of some business
he couldn't complete in June of 2007.
His
opponent is a relative unknown fighter in Alexandre Barros, however
Barros is not a newcomer to the sport. Barros is a Marco Ruas
trained fighter and has been fighting for 10 years professionally.
He has fought some tough fighters in his time like Matt Hughes,
Dave Strasser, and Aaron Riley.
Unfortunately
for Kampmann, he hasn't had the opportunity to view much footage
on his opponent, which doesn't make him as comfortable as he'd
like to be. “I don't know much, but he's an experienced
guy. He fought for a long time. He's fought bare knuckle Vale
Tudo back in the '90s before I knew what MMA was. I got to give
him credit. I'm sure he's a dangerous opponent. From the little
footage I got of him, I can tell he's a southpaw. I definitely
prefer having some more footage on the guy. It'd be a lot more
comfortable, but that's how it's going to be. I can deal with
this, too.”
Source: MMA Weekly
|
HUERTA
TO PURSUE ACTING, WRITING A BOOK
UFC lightweight Roger Huerta is trading the cage for the soundstage.
MMAWeekly.com
reported in December that the Minnesota resident had re-signed
with the promotion for five fights, but Huerta and his management
on Friday said a career in the entertainment business would be
the new priority.
Although
he had fully intended to re-up with the UFC, at the eleventh
hour, Huerta determined that the time that needed to be allotted
to both careers was too much to manage concurrently. He still
has one fight remaining with the MMA juggernaught – and
he intends to fulfill that commitment – but will make acting
his career path.
Huerta
said his role in the upcoming film “Tekken,” as well
as the encouragement of those close to him, opened his eyes to
the new endeavor.
“I
had done that whole Tekken thing and I really wanted to pursue
that even more, but basically me getting into movies and film
was really intriguing to me,” Huerta said. “I realized
how hard it was also.
“At
the time, I was really too busy with fighting, but I just had
a change of heart, where everybody kept telling me, ‘you
should probably do some modeling, and they’re like ‘you’re
very young, so why don’t you pursue that?’ Eventually,
it started getting in my head. I figured, why not?”
The
popular lightweight said he would continue to train and take
the last fight on his UFC contract when it was offered. Huerta's
obligations with the promotion end in April of 2010.
“Fighting
is still in me,” he continued. “I’ll still honor
my last fight with the UFC, as soon as they tell me when to fight.
“Actually,
I would kind of like to fight in April, the Montreal card, cause
a lot of the Canadian guys want me to fight on that card. So
it’d be kind of cool if I did that. In the meantime, I’m
doing other things.”
Huerta's
management says they support his new path, which recently blossomed
with a three-picture development deal from Lion’s Gate Films.
Those
"other things" Huerta mentioned, along with acting,
include other avenues of creativity while he awaits his next
fight.
“I’m
writing a book about my life,” he said. “I thought
it was time to do that. It’s been very therapeutic for me
putting that out there. There’s a lot of things I leave
out in interviews, but why not just do this now?”
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Fighters
twist while Elite XC dithers
Patience
is starting to wear thin among some of the country’s top
mixed martial arts fighters, whose futures have remained in limbo
since Elite XC closed its doors in late October.
The
issue is complicated, as parent company Pro Elite laid off all
its employees and has no plans to run future cards. But they
have not closed the company, nor have they declared bankruptcy.
They have a CEO, Chuck Champion, and an attorney, each still
working on methods to sell the company’s assets and perhaps
remain as a minority interest partner with new ownership going
forward.
This
has left approximately 80 fighters, who were under contract,
waiting. The biggest names include Kimbo Slice, Gina Carano,
Frank Shamrock, Nick Diaz, Eddie Alvarez, Scott Smith and champions
Jake Shields (welterweight), Robbie Lawler (middleweight), Wilson
Reis (featherweight) and Antonio Silva (heavyweight).
A
few with non-exclusive contracts have been able to pick up individual
fights, but none have been able to negotiate with major companies
who aren’t willing to risk a tampering lawsuit, or aren’t
willing to sign fighters for single-fight deals.
Of
the aforementioned names, only Smith, Alvarez and Silva have
fought in recent months, and none on the list have any scheduled
future fights.
Smith
fought on a single-fight deal with Strikeforce in November. Alvarez
has a unique contract, as he can fight on Midwest promoter Monte
Cox’s shows, K-1 Dream events in Japan, and Elite XC. He
fought on the K-1 Dynamite! Show on New Year’s Eve, losing
to Shinya Aoki.
Silva,
who was under suspension in the United States until July after
failing a steroid test in California for his title win over the
late Justin Eilers, beat Yoshihiro Nakao on Sunday in Saitama,
Japan for Sengoku. This may result in Silva his losing his license
to fight in California, essentially banning him in all commission
states, so he’d be unavailable in the event Elite XC in
some form gets resurrected or until he is reinstated.
As
each day goes by, fighters are getting more and more impatient.
“Jake
[Shields] is in the prime of his career and he wants to fight
the top guys in the world,” said Jack Shields, the father
and manager of the Elite XC welterweight champion. “If they
can’t get him a fight, they should let him go.”
Jack
Shields, along with other agents of Elite XC fighters such as
Ken Pavia (who represents 12 fighters under contract to the organization),
Monte Cox (who represents four, most notably Lawler) and Matt
Walker (who represents Carano) have all independently talked
of taking legal action to invalidate the contracts of their clients
and have them declared free agents so they can start fighting
again.
“For
us, it’s about finding the right home,” said Walker
regarding the future of Carano, who brought women’s MMA
to the forefront with her fights on Showtime and CBS over the
past two years. “She didn’t ask to be, how people put
it, the face of women’s MMA, but she’s starting to
embrace it. She wants to make sure there is a place for women
in the sport. We’re in constant touch with Cyborg’s
[Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos] people to make sure we
don’t go in different directions.”
Carano
vs. Santos had been promoted on the past two CBS specials, building
for a match that would have been the highest-profile women’s
MMA fight ever in North America. It was originally expected to
take place early this year, tentatively in February, before Elite
XC announced it would no longer run shows.
The
stalling tactics continue because Elite XC – after first
attempting to raise funds by auctioning off fighter contracts
– has attempted to sell the assets of the promotion, which
are the fighter contracts and what are potentially valuable television
contracts with CBS and Showtime.
Indications
are CBS wants to continue running quarterly prime-time shows
on Saturday nights, and Showtime is interested in continuing
with six major events and six minor events per year. Six different
companies put in bids for Elite XC, four of which were believed
to be UFC, Affliction, Strikeforce and King of the Cage.
It
is believed that CBS tried to steer the deal toward Strikeforce
because UFC has a reputation for difficulty in television negotiations
and Strikeforce is a stable company backed by the same group
that owns the HP Pavilion in San Jose, as well as the NHL’s
San Jose Sharks. The group currently has a weekly show Saturday
nights on NBC. All of the agents were of the belief that a deal
was close before Christmas, but things hit a snag.
“It’s
a delicate situation,” said Strikeforce promoter Scott Coker.
“At the end of the day, Pro Elite is still deciding what
it wants to do, and I don’t know what it is. Right now,
there is no direct talks between our company and their company.”
“Every
day the story is different; nothing ever comes to fruition,”
said Walker, who specifically mentioned UFC and Strikeforce as
possibilities for Carano.
Walker
also questioned whether fighter contracts would even be assignable
in a sale. Originally, Elite XC was going to auction off the
contracts individually as a way of raising some money for the
companies it owed money to, but agents representing 60 of the
80 fighters worked together in getting the auction canceled.
Even
if a deal for the company was reached for a sale this week, it
would be March at the earliest before a show could be arranged
and properly promoted, and there is no indication that any kind
of a sale is imminent.
With
their MMA careers on hold, some fighters have started looking
in other directions.
Slice,
the company’s biggest star, flew to Japan in December as
a guest on a K-1 show, where he did some television commentary,
but has been unable to commit to a match there yet.
Slice’s
14-second loss to Seth Petruzelli on the Oct. 4 CBS special set
the wheels in motion for everything that has happened since.
Elite
XC, with more than $55 million in losses and little money left,
was in negotiations to sell to CBS and Showtime. Petruzelli indicated
in a radio interview, which he later claimed was misinterpreted,
that Elite XC officials made it clear they wanted the fight to
stay standing.
The
scandal got significant sports-media play, CBS and Showtime pulled
out of negotiations, and Showtime recalled the loans that had
kept the company afloat. At that point, the company was forced
to lay off virtually its entire staff and cancel all future events.
James
Thompson, the U.K. heavyweight who lost to Slice on the first
CBS special on May 31, and hasn’t been able to fight since,
has had to take a freak-show fight on Feb. 6 in Montreal to pay
bills. The fight will be against former-minor-league-hockey-enforcer-turned-fighter
Steve Bosse on a promotion called Strikebox.
It’s
a sport involving boxing, but with takedowns, similar to the
martial art San Shou or the Japanese sport of Shootbox, except
using smaller MMA gloves instead of boxing gloves. The rules:
Punching and takedowns are allowed, and takedowns are worth points,
but there is an immediate stand-up after a takedown, with no
ground fighting allowed.
Shields
and Lawler are both ranked in the world’s Top 10 in their
divisions in most polls. Cox and Jack Shields both confirmed
UFC having interest, but said that UFC officials won’t negotiate
until the fighters are legally free of their contracts.
“Everyone
is interested in Lawler: Japan, UFC, Strikeforce, Affliction,”
Cox said. “But no big company wants a one-off (single-fight)
deal. UFC isn’t interested into getting into a lawsuit over
it. Our goal is to find a way out of the contract.”
Source: Yahoo Sports |
Rizzo:
time to kill or die in the ring
With
only one fight in 2008, Pedro Rizzo stayed out of the card of
Affliction’s second edition, that happens in January 24th
at California. Despite the time without fighting, Rizzo wishes
to come back to the rings in the following month, at a M1 event.
“Affliction will make four shows in 2009, and will be ten
of M1, which is partner of Affliction. I spoke with Tom Atencio
to see if he puts me to fight at M1, that will happen in February.
I think it’ll happen, it’s not closed yet, but there’s
the possibility of fight”, said Pedro, training in the expectative
to the fight.
“I’m
already training, February is coming… It’s only two
months. I don’t know against who I would fight, but, whoever
comes, I have to fight well, give a great show and win”,
guarantees Pedro, who is also working in the psychological part
for the fight. “Now I’m respecting all the restings,
still killing me in the trains, but respecting my limits and
my body. I’m working very much the psychological part to
maintain myself always motivated, I think that you have to have
motivation to continue after a defeat”, revealed the fighter,
who laments the defeat to Josh Barnett at the first edition of
Affliction.
“If
I’m not fighting at January 24th it’s only because
of me. I with a knife at the neck, going up to the ring today
is kill or die. The time is passing, so I’ll go up to kill.
If I went to fight with Josh (Barnett) today, I can yet lose
and take another knockout, but it will be striking the whole
time, like I didn’t do in our last fight”, guarantees
Rizzo.
Source: Tatame
|
Belcher
prepared for Denis Kang at UFC 93
After
defeating Ed Herman at UFC Fight Night 15, Alan Belcher will
be back to the UFC at January 17th, when the UFC 93 arrives at
Dublin, Ireland, and the fighter has a Brazilian coach helping
in his preparation for the combat. “We trained a lot for
this fight. Alan is a person who learns very quickly, has an
excellent Muay Thai and a good Jiu-Jitsu, and we adapted that
for the MMA. He’s a very talented person, like his nickname
already says (“The Talent”)”, said Israel Gomes,
leader of Killer Bees Team at California, United States.
Against
Denis Kang, who makes his debut in UFC, Belcher will have a difficult
work, but his coach guarantees that the American is ready. “He’s
in a very good routine of training, physical preparation, sparrings
with many different persons… We’re traveling a lot,
making trains foreign, and we had the help of many people, like
Rich Clementi, Hélio “Soneca”, Parizzi... He’s
very prepared for Denis Kang”, guarantees Israel, who won’t
be able to be at Belcher’s corner for the fight, because
he’ll also fight at the same night, in Cage Fight –
New Years Knockout, at Alabama.
“I’m
very confident with Alan’s victory, mine and of Rodrigo
Vidal’s, who’ll fight in the same event of me and is
also helping in Alan’s preparation. We’re very satisfied
with the preparation”, revealed Israel, celebrating the
good phase of the team in USA. “Since I started to train
we made 20 fights and we only lost one in the decision…
The result of my work here is appearing, I am very satisfied
and after this fights I come back to California and inaugurate
a seat of Killer Bees there”, counts the black belt, in
the support for the friend and ex-partner of Chute Boxe, Maurício
“Shogun”, who also fights in UFC 93. “I wish all
luck for the Brazilians who are in UFC 93 and I’m cheering
for Shogun’s victory”, finished.
Source: Tatame
|
TEXTBOOK
FINISHES AND BIG KO'S AT RING OF FIRE 33
BROOMFIELD, Colo. – Ultimate Fighter alum Noah Thomas continued
his road back to respectability on Saturday night at the Broomfield
Events Center, where he captured the Ring of Fire 135-pound Championship,
finishing Justin Robbins in the opening moments of the first
round with a guillotine choke.
Robbins
shot on Thomas early, but ate a kneed on the way in. As he scored
the double-leg takedown, Robbins felt Thomas clamp down the guillotine
choke. He tried to defend, but moments later was tapping out,
leaving Thomas as the new bantamweight champion.
"That's
how it goes guys, you don't get away from it," said Thomas
of the finishing maneuver after the bout before setting his sights
on his next target... World Extreme Cagefighting. "WEC,
come on, give me a shot! Come on WEC!" he roared to the
crowd.
Thomas
has now won seven straight bouts – including capturing the
TKO and Ring of Fire bantamweight titles – something he
hopes will help erase the memories of his getting booted off
the The Ultimate Fighter after a backyard brawl with Marlon Sims
during season five of the reality series.
Easily
the fight of the night, local crowd favorite Cat Albert captured
the Ring of Fire 135-pound Women's Young Gun's championship in
a battle with Californian Angela Samaro... and battle is not
an overused cliché in this instance, this was a true battle
between to highly skilled athletes.
Albert
and Samaro fought a technical, but exciting ground war throughout,
quickly trading submission attempts and mixing in some strong
striking technique along the way. In the end, it was Albert's
superior wrestling that put her in position to secure an anaconda
choke and the title belt.
In
what can only be described as a highlight reel knockout, Brandon
Thatch returned from the first loss of his professional career
– a split decision at Strikeforce at the Mansion 2 –
to knockout Utah's Mike Arrant with a stunning kick to the head.
The kick left Arrant crumpled on the mat, back up against the
cage, and scored Thatch the Ring of Fire 170-pound Young Gun's
championship.
"I
don't know what you can expect from me in every fight,"
said Thatch after the fight, "but I guarantee one thing,
I'm bringing the weapons."
After
a back and forth ground battle in the opening round, Tyler Toner
and Jamie Schmidt's battle for the 145-pound Ring of Fire Young
Gun's title ended in a frustrating no contest.
Schmidt
appeared to edge slightly ahead following the opening round,
but as the second round started he half-slipped, was half-knocked
to the mat. While Schmidt was face down on all fours, Toner threw
a punch that ended up hitting him in the back of the head at
the base of the skull, causing the referee to stop the bout.
Following
several minutes of examination by ringside doctors, Schmidt was
deemed unfit to continue. Since the bout didn't make it to the
end of round two and the strike was ruled inadvertent, the fight
was declared a no contest with a rematch pending for April.
Ranger
Up fighter Andrew Chappelle lived up to his billing as "Infantryman,
Ranger, Ass-kicker." He utilized his 10 years of jiu-jitsu
experience and athleticism to make quick work of Wyoming fighter
Justin Salas, countering a judo throw by scrambling, taking Salas'
back, and locking on the fight-ending triangle choke. The win
marks his third straight victory following a two-and-a-half year
hiatus.
Before
his bout, Brendan Schaub said, "This isn't bodybuilding,
this is a fight," referring to another pursuit of his opponent,
Alex Rozman. He wasn't kidding, as he dropped Rozman with a right
and left hook combination early. He then followed with several
more punches to a downed Rozman before the referee called a halt
to the bout.
"I'm
going to be a world champion," said Schaub after the bout.
Improving his professional record to 3-0 and training with partners
like Shane Carwin, Eliot Marshall, Nate Marquardt, and others,
he's definitely giving himself a shot at it.
Joe
Kelso won the opening professional bout of the night in a rather
rare finish. He caught Brian Wood in a triangle choke and, although
he couldn't finish the choke, he did finish Wood with a relentless
onslaught of strikes from the bottom for the TKO stoppage while
fighting from his back.
Zingano
BJJ fighter Matt Simms turned a failed suplex attempt into a
quick submission. He locked on a head and arm triangle choke
that caused Dan Craft to tap out less than a minute into the
opening round.
In
one of the night's opening bouts, Infinite MMA's JJ Mondragon
showed an amazing display of hands as he knocked F.I.T. NHB's
Hector Salliant to the ground with a straight right and finished
via TKO stoppage in 15 seconds. Salliant lay on the mat for several
nervous minutes afterwards, but was able to eventually leave
the cage under his own power.
RING
OF FIRE 33 PROFESSIONAL BOUTS:
-Noah Thomas def. Justin Robbins by Submission (Guillotine Choke)
at 1:29, R1
-Cat Albert def. Angela Samaro by Submission (Anaconda Choke)
at 3:40, R2
-Brandon Thatch def. Mike Arrant by KO (Head Kick) at 0:18, R1
-Jamie Schmidt vs. Tyler Toner was ruled a No Contest
-Andrew Chappelle def. Justin Salas by Submission (Triangle Choke)
at 2:06, R1
-Brendan Schaub def. Alex Rozman by TKO (Strikes) at 1:23, R1
-Joe Kelso def. Brian Wood by TKO (Strikes) at 3:07, R2
RING
OF FIRE 33 AMATEUR BOUTS:
-Cody Frederickson def. Ramico Blackmon by Submission (Rear Naked
Choke) at 2:35, R2
-Chris Holland def. Chris Williamson by TKO (Strikes) at 2:59,
R2
-Matt Simms def. Dan Craft by Submission (Head & Arm Triangle
Choke) 0:47, R1
-JJ Mondragon def. Hector Salliant by TKO (Strikes) at 0:15,
R1
-Ken Kreuscher def. Brian Marneck by TKO (Strikes) at 2:28, R2
Source: MMA Weekly
|
Quote
of the Day
“Treat
the other man's faith gently; it is all he has to believe with.
His mind was created for his own thoughts, not yours or mine.”
Henry S. Haskins
|
UFC
94 FIGHT CARD OFFICIALLY RELEASED
The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Friday officially released
the full fight card for its Jan. 31 event, featuring a welterweight
title defense by champion Georges St. Pierre in a mega-fight
with UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn.
A
win for Penn would make him the first champion in UFC history
to hold titles in two weight classes concurrently. Besides a
future title defense against Thiago Alves, a St. Pierre victory
could possibly line-up another dual champion bout, with current
middleweight champion Anderson Silva.
The
main card also features a light heavyweight bout between Top
10 ranked fighters Lyoto Machida and Thiago Silva and an expected
barnburner between Nate Diaz and Clay Guida.
The
preliminary card features many UFC veterans, but is most notedly,
and perhaps surprisingly, highlighted by a welterweight clash
between Jon Fitch, just one fight removed from a challenge to
St. Pierre's title, against Japanese fighter Akihiro Gono.
UFC
94 Fight Card:
Main
Card Bouts:
-Georges St. Pierre (#1 Welterweight in the World)* vs. B.J.
Penn (#2 Lightweight in the World)*
-Lyoto Machida (#4 Light Heavyweight in the World)* vs. Thiago
Silva (#10 Light Heavyweight in the World)*
-Karo Parisyan (#10 Welterweight in the World)* vs. Dong Hyun
Kim
-Nathan Diaz vs. Clay Guida
-Stephan Bonnar vs. Jon Jones
Preliminary
Card Bouts:
-Jon Fitch (#2 Welterweight in the World)* vs. Akihiro Gono
-Jake O'Brien vs. Christian Wellisch
-Chris Wilson vs. John Howard
-Manny Gamburyan vs. Thiago Tavares
-Matt Arroyo vs. Dan Cramer
*Based
on the MMAWeekly.com World MMA Rankings
Source: MMA Weekly |
CONDIT
VS LARSON 2 SET FOR WEC ON MARCH 1
World Extreme Cagefighting welterweight champion Carlos Condit
will make his next title defense at WEC 39 on March 1, as he
defends his championship for the second time against Brock Larson
at an event currently scheduled for Corpus Christi, Texas.
The
fight was confirmed to MMAWeekly.com by multiple sources close
to the fight on Friday. The bout agreements for the fight have
been issued, and both fighters have already verbally accepted.
Since
coming to the WEC, Condit has made a steady rise up the welterweight
division, winning the gold in his second fight and then making
three consecutive title defenses. The champion's last fight was
his hardest fought yet as he was able to stop tough Japanese
fighter Hiromitsu Miura in the fourth round of their title bout
in August.
His
opponent, Brock Larson, will be looking for the WEC championship
for the second time. As previously mentioned, the Minnesota native
lost to Condit by submission in August 2007.
After
dropping the bout to Condit, Larson won his next three fights
in a row including a TKO over Carlo Prater in his last bout in
August 2008.
Condit
vs. Larson will be featured as a co-main event for the show as
it is expected that Mike Brown will defend his 145-pound title
for the first time against Leonard Garcia at the same event.
Source: MMA Weekly |
Kendall
Grove vs. Jason Day at UFC 96
Ultimate
Fighter season three winner Kendall Grove will face Canadian
fighter Jason Day at UFC 96 on March 7 in Columbus, Ohio. Grove’s
attorney, Jill Baxter, confirmed the bout on Friday to 411mania.com.
Following
a two-fight skid, Grove most recently fought on June 21 at The
Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale. He defeated the late Evan Tanner by
split decision.
Day
has been out of action for nearly as long. His most recent fight
was a June 7 TKO loss to British fighter Michael Bisping at UFC
85.
Both
fighters will be looking to kick off 2009 with a successful effort
as the UFC returns to Columbus for the third consecutive year
on the same weekend as the Arnold Sports Festival.
The
event has been formally announced by the UFC, but no bouts have
officially been revealed. There are strong rumors that a bout
between Gabriel Gonzaga and Shane Carwin could materialize at
UFC 96, but sources indicate it has yet to be signed. Other rumors
mark Chuck Liddell and Keith Jardine for the Nationwide Arena,
although they are not likely to rematch, instead fighting in
separate bouts.
Source: MMA Weekly |
Huerta:
I should be coming back to the UFC
After
popular UFC lightweight contender Roger Huerta (20-2-1 MMA, 6-1
UFC) revealed to Sherdog.com that he had elected not to re-sign
with the organization—despite previous reports by to the
contrary—many MMA pundits wondered aloud if there were contributing
factors to El Matador’s decision beyond a newfound passion
for acting.
Today
Huerta told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) his relationship
with the UFC is great and his passion for fighting is as strong
as ever—yet he has decided to walk away anyway.
“I’ve
been fighting my all life,” Huerta said. “It’s
in me. It’s always been in me. I’ve been fighting for
everything I’ve gotten.
“I’ve
been fighting forever. So maybe let’s just put this on hold
for awhile. That’s kind of where I’m at.”
Huerta
said previous reports that he had re-inked with the UFC weren’t
entirely accurate, but that he had certainly intended to recommit
himself to the organization.
“I
had intended to sign, but all the other stuff came up,”
Huerta said. “I realized why not do the acting thing.”
The
“acting thing” started earlier this year when Huerta
utilized some free time originally tagged for finishing his college
degree in order to participate in the silver-screen version of
the popular video-game series Tekken.
“I
had taken time off after the (Clay) Guida fight because I need
to get back into school and finish the one class that I need
to finish (my degree),” Huerta said. “But then the
movie Tekken was brought up to me if I could do it. And I’m
like, ‘Well, why not?’
“I’m
a big fan of Tekken. I’m a huge fan of that video game.
To be one of those characters in that game was really awesome.
I said ‘Yes’ to it, and eventually I had to put school
on hold again.”
Huerta
landed not only a role in Tekken, but also a three-movie deal
with Canadian-based Lions Gate Entertainment. That opportunity
eventually led Huerta to believe it was in his best interest
to leave the UFC, at least for now.
“I
spent a lot of time with family and friends around the holidays,”
Huerta said. “Everybody always brought up to me to pursue
the acting thing and modeling. I never really considered it because
I was so devoted into fighting and so devoted into the UFC. Eventually
when I did the Tekken movie, I was really intrigued by it.
“I
could see it was a lot of hard work. I couldn’t really give
[acting] 100% because I was so devoted into fighting and the
UFC.”
Huerta
said it was his observation of other successful UFC fighters
that helped him believe he was making the right choice by putting
his MMA career on hold.
“Basically
it was one of those things where I’m 25-years-old,”
Huerta said. “I see Chuck (Liddell), and I see Randy (Couture).
They’ve been able to peak at their careers in their early
30’s. I figure why not? Maybe I can do the whole acting
and [modeling] now, and the fighting will be there (later).”
Huerta,
one of the UFC’s most marketable fighters—and once
considered a vital component of the UFC’s planned expansion
into Latin America—insists that increased contractual restriction
recently instituted by the UFC had nothing to do with his decision.
“Not
at all,” Huerta said. “For me, I just realized it wouldn’t
be fair to the UFC if I signed with them and then keep turning
down fights because I was obligated to the other projects.
“The
UFC has a business to run, and that’s that. To me, I don’t
think it would have been fair to them.”
One
of the key issues of contention by several fighters—most
notably welterweight contender Jon Fitch and several of his American
Kickboxing Academy teammates—regarding current UFC contracts
was the organization’s desire for perpetual ownership of
name and likeness rights. Huerta insisted there was no connection
between those requirements and his leaving the organization.
An
interesting study in the validity of that opinion may come very
quickly. Huerta’s likeness is currently scheduled for use
in the upcoming video game UFC 2009 Undisputed. The 25-year-old
doesn’t think his decision will affect his standing on the
video game’s roster.
“I
don’t think [my leaving the organization] should have any
affect at all,” Huerta said. “I think I should be in
it.”
But
Huerta admits he is unsure if the UFC will elect to pull his
likeness from the final release.
“I
really don’t know,” Huerta said. “I don’t
know anything about that stuff.”
The
UFC has been accused of “freezing out” fighters such
as Andrei Arlovski and Brandon Vera in recent years. Each fighter
found themselves in a similar position to Huerta—holding
one remaining fight and an extended period of time on their UFC
contract.
After
turning down a fight with Joe Stevenson at UFC 95 in February
due to “personal issues with family and stuff,” coupled
with his request for the time off that eventually led to his
role in Tekken, Huerta’s fight contract now runs through
December.
Huerta
said he is unaware of when the UFC plans on promoting the final
bout of his contract, and that a rumored bout this spring with
Spencer Fisher was never a possibility.
“That
(fight with Fisher) was never brought up to me, actually,”
Huerta said. “I hope [my final fight with the UFC] happens
sometimes soon.
“You
know what card I would like to get in is that April card in Montreal.
It would be pretty cool to fight there. I saw all the fans that
were there for the UFC and for the fighters. That would be an
honor to fight on that card.”
What
happens between now and December could prove to be a true indicator
of the UFC’s feelings towards Huerta’s departure from
the organization. It may also help to determine the lightweight’s
eventual path in mixed martial arts.
But
for now, Huerta insists the bond is strong and he should eventually
return to the UFC.
“The
UFC is my home,” Huerta said. “They are my family,
and eventually I should be coming back to them.”
Source: MMA Junkie |
Kyra:
2008 passed with flying colors
Gracie ends the year having fun in the Dead Sea, but analyzes
next season in NY with seriousness
Kyra
Gracie Guimaraes, 23, ended 2008 in the mud. But is a good way.
Or better yet, in a great way, after all not just any Jiu-Jitsu
black belt, especially female, is invited to compete and stay
in a six-star hotel in Amman, the capital of Jordan, with princess-like
treatment. Treatment that included, on the eve of the championship
organized by Zaid Mirza and Pedro Galiza, an unforgettable trip
to the Dead Sea, where the athlete, boyfriend Leo Leite and faithful
companions Braulio Estima and Lucio Rodrigues didn’t miss
the chance to try a bit of medicinal mud found on its banks.
Whether
or not it’s really good for the skin, one can’t be
sure, but the stuff provided luck. Put up in the hotel with the
country’s “royalty’s special guest” honors,
the 1.69m and 59kg fighter became champion of Capital Challenge.
It was no easy task getting there. The dry climate and air of
the capital were nearly as tough a rival as Brazilian black belt
Carol DeLazzer, runner-up, and Japanese Kanako Inaba, who took
third.
After
conquering yet another trophy and beautiful country, the four-time
Jiu-Jitsu world champion, 2006 Asian champion and two-time ADCC
champion, among other titles, laid out her plans for the year
and summed up 2008, exclusively for GRACIEMAG.com.
What
was you most celebrated title from last year, Kyra? And who was
your toughest adversary?
My most celebrated title was the Worlds, for sure, even more
so for having been kept out of the one the year before, due to
injury. I think my fights in the absolute at the Brazilian Nationals
were the hardest – the very hardest was with Tania Andrade,
also from Gracie Barra. But there’s a new generation coming
in, the girls who are already in the category, it’s even
tough to cite names. Every fight ends up being rough, especially
in the Worlds.
And
for 2009, what are your plans?
I’m back in Brazil, but I’ve been living in an airplane.
I didn’t stop in 2008, I went to the USA, Jordan, United
Arab Emirates, Argentina, Mexico. This year I’ll spend another
season in New York, training for the 2009 ADCC.
Are
you confident about defending you two-time title in Manhattan?
Will it be like fighting “at home?”
Yes, I’m already in the event, since I’m two-time winner
of the category (under 60kg). This year I’ll win at weight
and the absolute. It’s always nice to fight in NY, because
all my students there can watch, and that way I get a lot of
positive energy. And also Renzo will be in my corner.
He’s the best. I see myself becoming more mature each year,
but there’s no comparison: unfortunately I can’t have
Renzo around at every event, if I could I’d never lose a
fight.
You’ve
won pretty much everything, right? What more do you hope to accomplish
in your career? Is the Olympics really in your plans?
I still have a lot to do within Jiu-Jitsu, I’m focused on
winning everything again, more and more. Regarding judo, I started
practicing it and love it, I’ll never stop. Like everything
I do, I want to be the best. With judo it’s no different,
and if I could dedicate myself to judo the Olympics would certainly
be a goal.
What
did you most like about Capital Challenge, in Jordan?
It was one of the best championships I’ve ever fought in.
The treatment of the athletes was first rate, and there’s
no need to even mention the production, it was a true Jiu-Jitsu
show. The mood behind the scenes was excellent, all the athletes
from several teams together, we had dinner, we’d check out
points of tourism, like the city of Petra and the Dead Sea, where
we picked up some good energy in the sea and the mud. It was
good luck for everyone, and out “fantastic four” did
awesome (laughs). It was also cool to meet the athletes away
from competition, I got to know Sergio Moraes’ sense of
humor, Cobrinha’s. It was really fun.
At
the end of 2008, you participated in the Rickson seminar, held
at Club Flamengo, in Rio. What did you make of it?
The seminar is really good; it changed my way of thinking about
Jiu-Jitsu. I learned several basic positions that work really
well, and that I’m trying to incorporate into my game. In
2009, I intend to participate in all nine of the seminars, I’m
more sure to be there than Rickson himself (laughs).
Source: Gracie Magazine |
European
Championship: Otavio Sousa confirmed
Fighter stood out in Jordan
To
most Brazilians the year only really begins after carnival, but
to athletes in general it begins much earlier. January is the
month to pick up the pace in training and reassume their routine.
And there is no lack of incentive, as from January 30 to February
1 marks the first big competition of the year 2009: the European
Championship, to take place in Lisbon.
Brazilian
Otavio Sousa, of Gracie Barra-PE, has confirmed he’ll be
there. The black belt, who shut out the under 88kg category with
teammate Braulio Estima at Capital Challenge, has been on a tear.
“I’m
preparing myself well with my teacher Ze Radiola and my friends
at Gracie Barra-PE. My expectations are the best for this European
Championship. Last year was my debut as a black belt and I managed
to get on the winners’ stand in all the events I participated
in. I believe this year will be even better, I’m very optimistic,”
stated Otavio, who took third at the Jiu-Jitsu Worlds, and second
at the Pan-American.
Aware
of how the life of a black belt is tough, Otavio does not yet
know in which weight group he will fight. “There are no
easy fights at black belt. That was one of the things I noticed
last year. I’m still deciding at what weight I will fight,
since I’m already thinking ahead to the first Professional
World Championship, to take place in Abu Dhabi, in April, where
I’ll fight at 85kg. I was really happy to have had the opportunity
to fight in the United Arab Emirates and in Jordan. And even
better yet was having shut out the under 88kg category with my
partner Braulio at Capital Challenge. That’s why I think
I’ll fight at medium heavyweight at the European,”
he said.
“I’m
certain the level at the championship will be very high as IBJJF
championships always are, with big names in all categories. Everyone’s
tough,” added Otavio with a chuckle. “In my category
there are always guys like Marcelo Garcia, Tarsis Humphreys,
Murilo Santana, Andre Galvao, and others,” he finished.
Anyone
to sign up for the European Championship 2009 by January 17 will
take advantage of the discount rate of US$ 108. From January
18 on, the rate will increase to US$ 125 and will remain so until
the deadline for registration, January 23.
Source: Gracie Magazine |
Quote
of the Day
"Keep
five yards from a carriage, ten yards from a horse, and a hundred
yards from an elephant; but the distance one should keep from
a wicked man cannot be measured."
Indian Proverb
|
X1:
A Year In Review
In their busiest year to date X1 World Events showed why they
continue to be Hawaii’s
number one event. They put all of their titles on the line and
crowned some new and
exciting world champions, brought back pro boxing, they also
introduced new venue’s
like The Cirque and Palolo Hongwanji as well as added new features
to their events like a
concert, replacing the chairs with tables at the Blaisdell and
the amazing aerialists of The
Cirque Hawaii entertaining the fans between matches.
To highlight the year we will start off with the “Champions”
event at the Blaisdell Arena.
Maui product Lolohea Mahe continued his dominance of the HW division
with a huge
win over Des Miner. Featherweight Champion Eddie Yagin defended
his title with a
three wound war against Big Island’s Dirty Dave Moreno.
Mia St. John made her
appearance in Hawaii short and sweet with a brutal KO win at
just 44 seconds of the first
round and Ron Waterman defeated Maui boy Analu Brash for the
HW Title. UFC veteran
Chad Reiner defeated Mark Moreno for the second time earning
him the X1
Welterweight Title. Falaniko Vitale fought two very tough opponents
from Washington
and Alaska to earn himself the X1 Middleweight Title.
In February it was back to their roots when Fight Club met Night
Club. Here Icon’s
Steven Saito and Tasi Edwards made themselves known with dominating
performances.
Cheyenne Padeken stopped boxer Smokey Brown, when on a previous
fight card Brown
had KO’d Kelly Padeken. Also this was the event that brought
back Heavyweight fighter
Vilitonu Fonokalafi. In April X1 helped Niko Vitale with his
first promotion at the Dole
Cannery.
In May it was back to the Blaisdell with “Legends.”
Maui standout Brandon Visher
defeated a very skilled Lorenzo Moreno while Mike Pedro earned
a huge upset win over
Bantamweight Champion Kana Hyatt. Jiu Jitsu practitioner Dylan
Clay made his return
to Oahu with a big win over veteran fighter Ronald Jhun. The
veteran Kolo Koka
defeated Micheal Brightmon, expect the rematch in 2009. Alaska
Native Ritchie Whitson
came out of no where to defeat Ray Cooper and earn himself the
Lightweight Title.
Welterweight Champion Chad Reiner couldn’t hold on to his
title after a five round war
with Brandon Wolff. Also making his return to the ring after
nearly a five year lay off,
Egan Inoue returned with a dominating performance over submission
artist Hans
Marrero.
In July X1 put together a huge event on the Waianae side to celebrate
the 4th of July. An
estimated 20,000+ crowd enjoyed rides, food booths, live entertainment
and a large
fireworks display to make it safe and memorable night. Just two
weeks later X1 gave
back to all their amateur fighters with an all amateur event
at the Blaisdell Arena. This
event featured a grappling tournament, 50+ bouts mma and kickboxing
mixed as well
13+ Amateur Titles up for grabs.
In September X1 World Events decided to take a step back and
create some new names
to add to their Blaisdell shows for 2009. In the Temple of Boom
I we saw the return of
Pro Boxing with Amateur standouts Mike Balasi, Jeffery Pelen
Jr and Isaac Arasato
taking to the ring. Team MMAD showcased their talent with dominating
middleweight
newcomer Brad Tavares stopping Josh Ferreira and Justin Mercado
making his return
with a stoppage over Colin Mackenzie. Vilitonu Fonokalafi settled
his rivalry with
kickboxer Chris Barnard when he stopped him early on with vicious
leg kicks.
At the Temple of Boom II in October it was redemption time, Kana
Hyatt defended his
135lb title against Maui’s Mike Pedro. Featherweight standout
Brandon Visher evened
the score for Maui with his win over Reuben del Rosario. Isaiah
Cobb-Adams made his
return to the ring with a quick submission win over Colin Mackenzie.
Pro Boxing
continued with Richard Barnard losing a decision to Mike Balasi
and Isaac Arasato
defeating Neil Sabagghi.
On Halloween night X1 arranged a free event for the Waipahu community
at the
Champions Center in Waipahu. Tiger Muay Thai fighter’s Dan
Holley, Sean Harris,
Reggie Fernandez and Nate Molina opened the night with two exhibition
Muay Thai
bouts. Team 94 Block put two of their fighters to the test, James
Tivao and Sonny Hunt,
cousin of K1 fighter Mark Hunt defeated their opponents by vicious
KO’s. Heavyweight
newcomer OJ Uiliata stopped his opponent early in round 1. Peni
Taufaao and Richard
Barnard wowed the crowd with their exhibition bout.
In November X1 ended their year with another set of back to back
events. First it was the
Olounge where newcomer Thaddeus Malbreaux and Brysen Hansen had
the crowd on
their feet with a back and forth war, Hansen taking home the
decision but almost getting
himself knocked out in the last seconds of the fight. Icon fighter
Dustin Kimura
continued his winning streak by defeating the heavy handed Elijah
Manners. In Pro
Boxing, Kickboxing standouts Ryan Lee, Peni Taufaao and Harris
Sarmiento put
themselves up to the challenge. Lee was stopped by a relentless
body attack, the
trademark of Isaac Arasato, Taufaao stopped his opponent in round
1 while Sarmiento’s
bout went the distance. Sarmiento’s opponent was two weight
classes smaller then him
making the fight an exhibition. The final event took place 5
days later at The Cirque
Hawaii. Aerialists took to the air between bouts leaving the
crowd speechless; the event
was followed by an Official X1 after party where fight fans partied
til 4am.
Look forward to a huge 2009 where Eddie Yagin and Brandon Wolff
are expected to
defend their titles against some very tough opponents. Also look
out for the fighters who
fought in the September, October and November shows to make their
appearance on the
larger stage. Tyson Nam, Scott Junk, Ron Waterman are also expected
to enter the ring.
Have a safe and Happy Holiday season from the staff at X1 World
Events.
Fight of the Year (non-title)
140lbs
Brysen Hansen
def
Thaddeus Malbreaux
Fight of the Year (title)
170lbs
Brandon Wolff
def
Chad Reiner
Upset of the Year
155lbs
Ritchie Whitson
def
Ray Cooper
KO/TKO of the Year
185lbs
Egan Inoue
def
Hans Marrero
Sub of the Year
135lbs
Mike Pedro
def
Kana Hyatt
Source: X-1
|
Rashad
Evans guesses 'Rampage' as next opponent
Rashad Evans is guessing that his first UFC light-heavyweight
title defense will be against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
Evans was asked about his next fight on an appearance Wednesday
on the Big O and Dukes show on 106.7 WJFK in Washington, DC.
"I
don't have any preference and they really haven't spoken to me
about who I'm going to face next, but I'm guessing it'll probably
be 'Rampage,'" Evans said.
Evans
said he welcomes a fight against Jackson as one another's knockout
power will create an exciting matchup.
"I
match up pretty well with 'Rampage,'" Evans said. "'Rampage
gonna do a lot of movement and I move a whole lot, but 'Rampage'
is a very, very powerful striker, so it'll only take one of his
shots to change the whole outcome of the fight, and I'm the same
way."
Jackson
has said that he'd like to fight for the title but would prefer
to first avenge his loss to Forrest Grififn.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Lesnar
and Couture together?
Giant may train at veteran’s gym
After the unlikely partnership of Minotauro and Wanderlei, another
one coming out of left field may take shape in Las Vegas. According
to information on the Sherdog.com website, Brock Lesnar is toying
with the possibility of frequenting Extreme Couture in the lead
up to his UFC heavyweight title unification bout. The fight with
Frank Mir so far doesn’t have a set date, but it is expected
to take place in June.
According
to the website, the idea was first presented by Lesnar last month.
“I told him it would be alright,” said Couture.
It’s
worth noting it was precisely Lesnar who took the UFC heavyweight
title from Couture. The two faced off in November and Lesnar
won by technical knockout in the second round.
Lesnar
normally trains in the state of Minnesota and has in Brazilian
Rodrigo Comprido one of his Jiu-Jitsu instructors.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Barnett
Muses on Fedor, Yvel
By Steven Marrocco
Sometimes
friendship does get in the way of work.
Josh
Barnett was a prime candidate to face Fedor Emelianenko at Affliction’s
rescheduled “Day of Reckoning.” Two of the top heavyweights
in the world clashing on American soil seemed like a no-brainer
for matchmaker and vice president Tom Atencio’s second attempt
on Jan. 24. At the time, Barnett had said their fight would be
one to write books about.
But
Barnett had become good friends with Fedor over the years, mostly
out on the town when fighting in Japan. The offer was on the
table when they met for dinner while in Japan late September.
They would only have to sacrifice their friendship for one night,
and it would be a big payday.
Though
reports surfaced that Barnett turned down the fight, he said
it was a mutual decision.
“It
was more like Fedor and I both were not into the fight at the
time,” he said in a media teleconference for his upcoming
fight with Gilbert Yvel on Jan. 24’s Affliction event. “There’s
a lot that goes behind that. There were some jostling in the
matchmaking, so a lot of it was fairly premature, and in the
end it laid out just the way it is.”
Barnett
doesn’t go into the details of the decision, but said the
timing might be right in 2009.
“We
both understand when you get into a sport like this, you’re
going to meet a lot of people and develop friendships, but at
the same time, we might have to…fight,” Barnett said.
“We’re okay with that, and if there’s someone
else to fight, that’s okay too.”
That
someone else, at least for now, is Gilbert Yvel, the controversial
Dutch fighter who has repeatedly been the focus of negative attention
in his career. Barnett couldn’t care less about the banner
or belt it’s under—with all the stops and starts in
his career since Pride left town, it’s stability he craves.
“I
don’t have any consideration on whether I’m going to
fight a WAMMA title fight or anything after this,” he said.
“It doesn’t exist to me. The thing that exists is Gilbert
Yvel. Giblert is the only fight that’s assured, and January
24 is the only night that I’m guaranteed to go out there
and get into a brawl.”
And
Barnett has repeatedly said that if he’s not punching somebody,
he gets antsy. Yvel is well known for his furious striking ability,
but admittedly, his highlight reel is responsible for that reputation.
Barnett has dissected footage on Yvel, and will watch for a submission
attempt as well. Yvel has reeled off five in his career thus
far, with a recent win in Holland by toe hold.
“He’s
a dynamic kickboxer, [but] he’s worked on his ground game;
he’s actually gone for quite a few leg locks,” Barnett
commented. “So, I’d like to see him go after my leg.”
If
Yvel pulls any funny stuff, Barnett will consider the infraction
before deciding the punishment doled out in return.
“There’s
a scale on that,” he said. “If I think somebody cheap
shots me with a low blow, I’ll probably just suck it up
and put him away, and put a little extra stink on it. If somebody
tries to bite one of my fingers off or gouge on of my eyes, then
I’ll probably lose my cool and try to maim him for life.”
Yvel
has not yet been cleared for “Reckoning” by the state
of California. Yvel on Tuesday met with California State Athletic
Commission Assistant Excutive Officer Bill Douglas to determine
whether he was fit to fight. After the meeting, Douglas granted
Yvel permission to apply for a fighter’s license, but said
nothing of whether he would pass.
Atencio
said he has fighters waiting on standby if Yvel is not cleared,
but would not name any names. Regardless, he expects Barnett
to have no problems with a new opponent.
For
now, Yvel is the reality in Barnett’s life, and he’ll
try to fulfill his New Year’s resolution by taking out the
Dutchman.
“It
will be nice to settle back in the ring and start off the New
Year with a productive one,” Barnett said. “That, and
a couple of guys hitting each other in the face. If things go
well for me, I expect to have a lot more opportunities to go
out there and show what I got.”
Source: Full Contact Fighter
|
8
Winning Losers of 2008
by Danny
Acosta
Borrowing from a favorite Karate High School song, fighters can
either believe “no one remembers second place” or “winning
isn’t everything” when they fall short of victory.
In a sport where defeat afflicts everyone not named Fedor Emelianenko,
it seems wise to believe the latter.
Leonard
Garcia made his name smiling under a barrage of punches from
Roger Huerta at UFC 69, some 19 months before he became known
for waylaying Jens Pulver. Every year, a select group of mixed
martial artists experiences victory in defeat. Here’s the
graduating class of 2008.
1.
Ben Rothwell
Stepping
into the ring against a former champion is never an easy task.
Rothwell proved it when he took on former UFC heavyweight titleholder
Andrei Arlovski at Affliction “Banned” on July 19 at
the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. But he did not just step
through the ropes; he walked through them -- and Arlovski’s
punches. And kicks. And knees.
The
Belarusian punished Rothwell for the first 10 minutes of the
fight. The International Fight League veteran had little success
standing but continued to exchange. He showcased “Robocop”-like
resistance in his first major step up in competition. The fight
was not a complete loss cause, however, as Rothwell put Arlovski
on his back and delivered effective ground-and-pound.
He
entered the third round battered by any normal fighter’s
standards and still lasted a minute with someone who had earned
“The Pitbull” moniker. The toughness Rothwell displayed
in defeat may have done more to solidify his spot in the top
10 than his entire IFL career. He rebounded with a first-round
win over Chris Guillen at Adrenaline MMA 2 in December and expects
to battle Arlovski-caliber fighters with more “Terminator”-like
results.
2.
Paul Taylor
Viewed
as one of MMA’s dangerous veterans, Chris Lytle loves to
punch and get punched. Taylor got his chance to make war with
“Lights Out” at UFC 89 “Bisping vs. Leben”
on Oct. 18 in Birmingham, England.
Paul
Taylor lived up to his "Relentless" moniker.The former
professional kickboxer stood across from the former professional
boxer and lived up to his “Relentless” nickname. For
the first 30 seconds of the bout, both fighters threw leather
at each other without stepping out of the Bud Light logo in the
center of the Octagon. The two repeated slight variations of
the process in rounds two and three in a fight that saw Taylor’s
combinations matched against Lytle’s power shots.
Ultimately,
Lytle’s clinch game won him a unanimous decision. Taylor,
however, enjoyed the support of his English countrymen and undoubtedly
won over fans abroad after the telecast aired free on Spike TV.
Picking up a hefty $40,000 bonus with his third “Fight of
the Night” honor in five UFC outings likely dulled the sting
of defeat.
3.
Matt Brown
Betting
on a gritty “The Ultimate Fighter” veteran against
a well-respected international fighter seemed silly at the time.
Yet Brown, a season seven cast member, gave gamblers a scare
against Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 88 on Sept. 6 in Atlanta.
The
Korean impressed at UFC 84, as he brutalized Jason Tan with enough
elbows to enter an “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”
dance contest. His judo and ground-and-pound, however, failed
to find their marks against Brown. The Jorge Gurgel protégé
had a defense and escape for most of the undefeated Deep veteran’s
offerings.
Striking
and aggression found Brown favor on the scorecards, even though
he lost a split decision in a fight he entered as a heavy underdog.
The bout made the main card, and everyone saw Brown was not just
another TUF throwaway.
“The
Immortal” picked up a submission win over Ryan Thomas at
UFC 91, where his toughness earned him his second win in three
UFC tries on a week’s notice.
4.
Luke Stewart
Stewart’s
cutting demeanor and heavily tattooed body make him look like
a fighter, but like all jiu-jitsu players entering MMA, questions
about his grit were less likely to go away than Uwe Boll movies.
Enter
Joe Riggs at Strikeforce “Destruction” on Nov. 21 in
San Jose, Calif. The UFC veteran had a reputation for retaining
heavyweight power at 170 pounds and having a punishing brand
of ground-and-pound; he represented the gravest threat in the
grappler’s young career. Stewart closed the distance on
“Diesel” at will, working his game and nullifying Riggs
when the fight hit the mat. Stewart looked nothing like a fighter
who was at a 30-fight experience deficit, as he dictated the
pace and place of the fight.
However,
Riggs found his mark in the second round and turned Stewart’s
nose into a bloodied Rich Franklin double. Despite the break,
Stewart did not cower and cover up like many other jiu-jitsu
players. He pushed Riggs’ hips, returned to his feet and
continued to look for the ankle pick after being dropped to the
mat, signaling in heated competition that his days of taking
and dishing out punishment will be on more than just jiu-jitsu
mats.
To
Riggs’ credit, he broke his hand to start the fight. Stewart’s
confidence, execution of an important gamelan and the 10 he earned
in the first round colored a home loss green.
A
fighter nicknamed "McLovin" needs to be tough.
5. Dustin Hazelett
A
fighter nicknamed “McLovin” needs to be tough. Hazelett,
a Brazilian jiu-jitsu understudy of Gurgel, decided to show his
wiry, 21-year-old frame was something to be feared when he fought
against Josh Koscheck at UFC 82 “Pride of a Champion”
on March 1 in Columbus, Ohio.
Koscheck
has athletic edges on most people not made in a laboratory, but
Hazelett was undeterred and traded strikes with the American
Kickboxing Academy welterweight. The opening bell trigged Hazelett’s
bottled-up aggression, as he found Koscheck with a head kick.
He followed fast, unleashing killer stand-up instinct not typically
associated with slick grapplers. He repeated this process later
in the round and had no qualms about coming forward into Koscheck’s
huge overhand right.
Having
enjoyed submission success in his previous unaired bouts, Hazelett
solidified himself as an all-around threat against a top 10 welterweight.
He ended up on the wrong end of the highlight reel, but the overall
excitement factor got him more televised UFC nods, which he parlayed
into more enthralling clashes, capped off with two “Submission
of the Night” bonuses and Sherdog.com’s “Submission
of the Year.”
6.
Yoshiro Maeda
When
an international fighter wants to endear himself to fans who
do not speak the same language, putting on a hell of a fight
accomplishes the mission. Maeda did so when he challenged World
Extreme Cagefighting bantamweight champion Miguel Torres at WEC
34 on June 1 in Sacramento, Calif.
A
tricky and powerful striker, the Japanese fighter drew blood
from Torres and prompted the champion to come forward angrily.
Maeda rolled from leg lock to leg lock with the Carlson Gracie
disciple and stayed out of quicksand with the black belt. Maeda’s
night ended early between the third and fourth rounds, when doctor’s
refused to let him continue. A Torres jab had broken his eye
socket.
Maeda’s
next showing, however, was an untelevised and uninspiring first-round
submission loss to Rani Yahya at WEC 36 in November.
7.
Hiromitsu Miura
Like
Maeda, Miura could not win a war of words. Instead, he relied
on his judo against welterweight kingpin Carlos Condit at WEC
35 on Aug. 3 in Las Vegas, and it paid off. He treated the champion
like an ultimate Frisbee instead of an ultimate fighter and tossed
him around like a rag doll. Throwing around Condit was a tad
sweeter after the New Mexican had vowed it would not happen.
He held his own in Condit’s deadly guard, too, and laid
down some ground-and-pound. Against the superior striker, “The
Last Samurai” managed to stay competitive for four rounds,
landing some meaningful shots of his own and coming back from
strikes that sent him to the mat.
Miura
took Condit into deep water in his welterweight debut. With his
breakout performance still fresh in the minds of many, Miura
may be plotting his revenge against “The Natural Born Killer.”
8.
Jon Fitch
Fitch
was not an unknown, nor did he lack notable performances heading
into his championship bout against welterweight titleholder Georges
St. Pierre at UFC 87 “Seek and Destroy” on Aug. 9 in
Minneapolis. Still, he may have done more for his career in those
25 minutes than he had done in his record-tying eight-fight winning
streak inside the Octagon.
Fitch
was taken down immediately by “Rush.” Thrown off his
game, Fitch found himself standing with the champion, unable
to handle the French Canadian’s speed and athleticism. He
was nearly finished in the first but walked to center of the
Octagon for the next four rounds like a George A. Romero movie
extra, even though he was able to mount little offense in the
five-round tilt.
However,
the loss proved Fitch was the blood-and-guts fighter he had been
billed as entering the match. Even St. Pierre was surprised at
how Fitch kept himself in the fight, and the welterweight king
tired as he attempted to finish off the American Kickboxing Academy
cyborg.
After
a publicized run-in with UFC President Dana White, Fitch will
land back on the unaired portion of UFC 94 later this month.
Still, the graphic images that remain from his encounter with
St. Pierre remind fans why he’s a one of the world’s
premier 170-pound fighters.
Source: Sherdog
|
Fedor
Emelianenko Speaks on Andrei Arlovski
Press Release
STARY OSKOL, RUSSIA (Wednesday, January 7). There are just 17
days until Fedor Emelianenko defends his WAMMA heavyweight title
against former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski during
Affliction M-1"Day of Reckoning" on January 24 at the
Honda Center in Anaheim, California and live on Pay-Per-View.
Despite
having recorded victories in the past over the likes for former
PRIDE and interim UFC heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira,
former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia, and Mirko "Cro
Cop" Filipovic, Arlovski could pose Fedor's toughest test
to date.
Fedor
has recently had verbal salvos fired at him by both Arlovski
and his boxing trainer Freddie Roach. Despite being secluded
for his training camp in his Russian home city of Stary Oskol
-- a small town in which cell phone connectivity is spotty at
best and Internet access is almost non-existent -- Emelianenko
heard the comments and elected to respond through an exclusive
interview he had with FiveOuncesOfPain.com. In addition to those
responses, Fedor shares other thoughts on his career and training.
Here, then, are his responses.
Question:
You train in your home town of Stary Oskol, which is very isolated
from the rest of the world. With so many world class camps that
now have some many top coaches and training partners, why do
you choose to keep things simple?
Fedor:
MY TRAINING IS NOT SIMPLE. I BELIEVE I TRAIN HARDER THAN ANYONE
ELSE IN THE WORLD. AND THE STRENGTH AND POWER I OBTAIN CAN ONLY
BE HERE IN RUSSIA. I FEED OFF MY SURROUNDINGS AND I DO NOT BELIEVE
I WOULD BE AS PREPARED IF I TRAINED SOMEWHERE ELSE. I LIKE TO
HAVE EVERYTHING I LOVE AROUND ME WHEN I TRAIN.
Question:
During a recent press conference to promote "Day of Reckoning,"
Andrei Arlovski questioned the sincerity of a statement you made
last month regarding your loss at the Combat Sambo Championships.
His exact quote was the following:
"After
his loss in the Sambo tournament, I think he's messed up a little
bit. He says it's not important, but c'mon, let's be serious.
He was unbeatable, like, five years, six years in Sambo, and
he's not beatable in MMA. When you lose something, of course
it's important. For me, it's really hard to believe that he doesn't
care about it. Of course he cares. Now I don't think he is 100
percent sure of himself."
Fedor:
MAYBE ANDREI IS TRYING TO CONVINCE HIMSELF THAT I HAVE BEEN WEAKENED
IN SOME WAY. BUT IT IS NO MATTER. WE ARE NOT FIGHTING SAMBO WITH
ANDREI. THE ONLY 100% I AM SURE ABOUT IS THAT I WILL BE 100%
READY TO FIGHT MMA AGAINST ANDREI. AND THAT IS THE ONLY THING
I CARE ABOUT RIGHT NOW.
Question:
One of Arlovski's trainers, famed boxing trainer Freddie Roach,
questioned some aspects of your standup from a technical boxing
perspective, most notably your footwork. Do you feel Roach's
criticisms are relevant to MMA?
Fedor:
THE BEAUTY ABOUT MMA IS THAT EVERY FIGHTER HAS HIS OWN UNIQUE
STYLE AND PREFERENCES. BUT IT IS NOT A BEAUTY CONTEST. WE FIGHT
TO SEE WHICH FIGHTER'S APPROACH PREVAILS. BUT AGAIN, WE ARE NOT
BOXING AND WE ARE NOT FIGHTING SAMBO. WE FIGHT MMA.
Question:
How do you feel about an opponent's trainer picking a part your
stand-up like that?
Fedor:
SOMETIMES IT IS A TRAINER'S JOB TO POINT OUT WEAKNESSES IN HIS
FIGHTER'S OPPONENTS. AND SOMETIMES IT IS A TRAINER'S JOB TO CONVINCE
HIS FIGHTER THAT HIS OPPONENT HAS WEAKNESSES. WE WILL SEE.
Question:
If you are able to defeat Arlovski, it's been said your next
fight could come against the winner of the Barnett vs. Yvel fight.
It's also been said that you are friends with Barnett. You said
you weren't looking forward to fight Couture because he's a friend,
so how do you feel about the possibility of facing him?
Fedor:
YES, JOSH AND I ARE FRIENDS. BUT ONCE AGAIN, THE BEST SHOULD
FIGHT THE BEST FOR THE SPORT OF MMA. IT WOULD BE OK.
Question:
Your protégé, Kirill "Baby Fedor" Sidelnikov
will also be competing at "Day of Reckoning." At only
20-years of age, do you think he's ready for such a high-profile
match against a seasoned veteran such as Paul Buentello?
Fedor:
KIRILL HAS IMPROVED GREATLY WITH HIS FIGHTS IN THE M-1 CHALLENGE
AND HELPED OUR RED DEVIL TEAM REACH THE WORLD FINALS. I THINK
BUENTELLO IS A GOOD TEST FOR KIRILL BUT I KNOW KIRILL IS READY.
Question:
During some recent interviews you revealed that you weren't looking
forward to a possible fight vs. Couture because he's a friend.
But if he were suddenly to become a free agent, would you refuse
the fight?
Fedor:
I WOULD NOT REFUSE THE FIGHT BECAUSE I BELIEVE RANDY AND I ARE
BOTH AMBASSADORS FOR THE SPORT OF MMA AND WE WOULD HELP GROW
THE SPORT VERY MUCH WITH THE FIGHT. THIS WAS THE MAIN REASON
WHY I WANTED TO FIGHT RANDY, EVEN IF IT MEANT TO FIGHT SOMEONE
I ADMIRED.
Question:
M-1 USA Vice President Jerry Millen made the statement that in
a fight with Brock Lesnar, he would not make it past the first
round against you. Do you agree with that assessment?
Fedor:
I DO NOT LIKE TO MAKE PREDICTIONS. ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IN A RING.
LESNER HAS SOME NATURAL TALENT. IT WOULD BE AN INTERESTING FIGHT
FOR FANS TO SEE.
Question:
There have also been questions raised about how much control
you have over your career. Could you set the record straight
and comment as to who has the final say in regard to who has
final say: you or your management?
Fedor:
IT DEPENDS ON THE DECISIONS. I AM NOT A SPECIALIST IN SOME THINGS.
SOMETIMES I MAKE THE DECISIONS AND SOMETIMES WE MAKE THEM TOGETHER.
IF I STOP FIGHTING TOMORROW, I STOP. IF I WANT TO FIGHT SAMBO,
I FIGHT. IF I NEED TO FINISH MY TRAINING CAMP AND MISS A PRESS
CONFERENCE, I NEED TO. BUT I AM LUCKY TO HAVE GOOD MANAGEMENT
AND MY TEAM, M-1 GLOBAL. I AM PART OF M-1 GLOBAL SO IT IS EASY
TO MAKE DECISIONS TOGETHER.
Question:
Ideally, how many times would you like to fight in 2009?
Fedor:
GOD WILLING, IT WILL BE NICE TO FIGHT 3 TIMES IN 2009 AND HAVE
ONE MORE FIGHT NEW YEARS EVE.
Affliction
M-1 "Day Of Reckoning"- Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions
and brought to you by Affliction Entertainment and its partners,
Donald J. Trump and M-1 Global, Affliction M-1 "Day of Reckoning"
is scheduled for January 24 a Honda Center in Anaheim, CA and
live on Pay-Per-View. The loaded fight card includes 11 rousing
bouts of fierce, full-throttle action headlined by Fedor Emelianenko
vs. Andrei Arlovski.
The
six-fight blockbuster PPV telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6
p.m. PT, features MMA stars Josh Barnett, Renato "Babalu"
Sobral, Chris Horodecki and Matt Lindland in separate bouts.
As a prelude to the highly anticipated PPV telecast, HDNet will
televise live beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT five additional
fights with the marquee match-up of Antonio Nogueira vs. Vladimir
Matyushenko as the main event.
Source: The Fight Network
|
Lee
Murray's friend to face retrial for bank heist
Paul Allen, a former fighter and close friend of UFC and Cage
Rage veteran Lee Murray, will face a retrial after a jury failed
to reach a verdict.
His retrial date will be determined in a hearing next Tuesday,
reports the UK's The Guardian.
Allen
plead not guilty to conspiring to rob, kidnap and possess firearms
for his alleged involvement in the Securitas depot robbery in
February 2006, the largest cash robbery in British history. A
total of £53m, or at the time $92.5 million US, was stolen.
Five
men were convicted last year in connection to the raid.
Murray,
believed to be the mastermind of the bank heist, was arrested
by the Moroccan police in June 2006. Since there is not extradition
agreement between the UK and Morocco, Murray remains in jail
in Morocco.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
Jackson
Predicts Title in 2009
by Lotfi Sariahmed
What a difference a fight makes.
His
third bout with Wanderlei Silva at UFC 92 two weeks ago was one
in which Quinton “Rampage” Jackson described himself
as “the most focused I’d ever been in my life.”
But after a hook sent Silva crashing to the mat at 3:21 into
the first round, Rampage has since let loose.
“The
first two times I fought him it wasn’t the time,” Jackson
told Sherdog Radio’s “Beatdown” on Monday. “The
UFC made the time. I wouldn’t call it a really big monkey
(on my back), I just hate the fact there are people out there
that beat me. Let alone twice. I just have to go out there and
do my job. This is my career baby, ya know?
Jackson,
30, also looked to set the record straight about his relationship
with Silva. More specifically, Jackson said the rumors that he
pushed Silva at weigh-ins were not true and the bad blood is
all on Silva’s end.
“Wanderlei
has a problem,” said Jackson. “Back in the day he wanted
everyone to be afraid of him. You guys don’t know the behind
the scenes. Fighters were afraid of Wanderlei in Japan and Pride.
They were scared to be in an elevator with him. They were scared
to eat next to him in the hotel or the restaurant or something
like that. I was one of the few guys that wasn’t afraid
of him and that’s why he didn’t like me. I’m from
the streets. I ain’t afraid of no man unless he has a gun
in his hand.”
Though
all signs point to showdown with newly minted light heavyweight
champion Rashad Evans next, Jackson still has revenge on his
mind.
“Give
me my belt back,” Jackson said. “We all fight for the
belt. If I get the belt back then maybe Forrest can get a ‘W’
and then me and Forrest could fight for the belt again. I’d
rather take him out in a five-round fight. Say if I beat him
in a three-round fight then all these little Internet haters
could say, ‘Forrest beat him in a five-round fight, he only
won in a three-round fight.’ But it don’t matter because
it’s going to be a short night for Forrest any time.”
Before
all that, Jackson has more immediate issues to deal with. A preliminary
hearing is scheduled on Thursday to determine whether Jackson’s
case will go to trial. Jackson was charged with felony evading,
hit-and-run and reckless driving which led to a highly publicized
chase with authorities on July 15. Jackson has pleaded not guilty
to two felony and four misdemeanor counts.
While
not addressing the issue specifically, Rampage noted he’s
had a hectic 2008.
“I
learned this world is a crazy place,” Jackson said. “We
all have to live together. We have to get more mature. 2008 wasn’t
all that great, but 2007 was like heaven. 2009 will be all fine
because I’m going to be the man again. I’m going to
get my belt back. I won’t stop for a long time. Get used
to me. The UFC is my home and it changed my life and helped me
bring my family together. I’m going to keep on trucking
no matter what happens. I’m going to be the same man. I
got my truck out of the shop. 2010 I’m going to do it again.”
Source: Sherdog
|
Toquinho
on Horn
Bout set for UFC 93, on 17th
The
year is underway and the first UFC event of 2009 is coming up,
on January 17, in Dublin, Ireland. Featuring on the card is Brazilian
Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares, who will be having his
third appearance for the organization. After losing to Dan Henderson,
considered one of the big names in MMA, the beast from BTT will
have his work cut out for him again, in facing Jeremy Horn, who
has 111 fights on his record. Toquinho, who believes himself
to be more experienced since his last fight, tells of what he
expects from the combat:
Portal
das Lutas – What do you expect from your adversary at UFC
93, Jeremy Horn?
Rousimar
Toquinho – I believe it will be a great fight, because the
athlete is very experienced, good and technical. I’m certain
it will be a great match, that’s what I can say about that.
PDL
– You faced Dan Henderson in your last match and now will
come up against another very experienced adversary, with over
100 fights. Has your path in the UFC been complicated?
RT
– I don’t mind facing experienced and tough adversaries.
I think I always train hard, so I can face guys like that. If
the possibility of winning arises, I’ll win. I like to always
be at my limits, I’m always happy to face new challenges.
My life has always been a fight, it’s tough and I know just
how tough it is. Nothing is tougher than one’s own life
and we learn lessons, face obstacles that we must overcome.
PDL
– Your fight with Dan Henderson, one of the biggest names
in MMA, was really tough and he ended up winning on the finer
details. Did you derive any lessons from this bout?
RT
– A lot of people say he ran from the fight. That’s
no excuse for me. He was better than me and I lost. He was smart
and I admire that. I think this fight helped me to grow as an
athlete, in terms of experience. To me this fight was of great
value in some terms, it made me grow as a fighter.
PDL
– Your weight in the UFC (middleweight) is full of tough
Brazilians. Besides yourself, there’s Anderson Silva, Thales
Leites, Demian Maia, Ricardo Cachorrao and Wilson Gouveia. Will
Brazil dominate this category?
RT
– I think Brazil will dominate this weight group, because
it has great athletes, a lot of tough and talented guys. I think
it will dominate for the time being.
PDL
– Anderson Silva will probably defend his belt against Thales
Leites. What do you think of this match?
RT
– I think everyone at this weight is fighting for the belt.
It’s about time Anderson faces a guy like Thales for the
title and I can only wish the two of them best of luck. They
are great fighters, Brazilians and I wish them luck.
PDL
– How have you been training for this challenge?
RT
– Look, training sessions here at BTT has been going off,
they’re really hard. I’m doing Jiu-Jitsu with Murilo
(Bustamante), wrestling with Antoine and boxing with Claudio
Coelho. I’m training hard.
Source: Gracie Magazine
|
Fedor
Emelianenko to be presented with WAMMA ring
The World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts will present heavyweight
champion Fedor Emelianenko with a championship ring during the
Affliction “Day of Reckoning” weigh-ins on Jan. 23.
The ring presentation ceremony will happen at 3 p.m. PT at the
Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The ceremony and the weigh-ins
are both available free to the public.
"We
couldn't be more proud of having Fedor Emelianenko represent
WAMMA as its first-ever heavyweight champion," WAMMA COO
Michael Lynch stated. "Fedor is not only a world class fighter,
but he is a world class person. He has always carried himself
as a professional and comes from an old school mentality in that
he prefers to let his actions speak louder than words."
WAMMA
actually isn’t the first to award fighters with Super Bowl-style
championship rings. The now-defunct International Fight League
awarded the five members and the coach of the championship team
with rings designed by league co-founder Kurt Otto.
The
other WAMMA champion is lightweight Shinya Aoki, who on New Year’s
Eve submitted Eddie Alvarez in Japan for the vacant belt.
Source: MMA Fighting
|
|